TELEHOMECARE & INTEGRATED PATIENT CARE IS THE FUTURE OF WOUND MANAGEMENT
The management of wounds presents unique challenges for both institutions and patients alike. From acute injuries to chronic non-healing wounds, the need for effective all-round care remains paramount. However, traditional approaches often fall short in addressing the diverse needs of patients, partly due to the separation of wound management provision in healthcare institutions and that received once the patient is at home.
There are a diverse range of factors that can contribute to the development of wounds, be they occupation-related wounds such as office workers developing repetitive strain injuries e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, and minor cuts or scrapes from office equipment; construction workers receiving injuries from falls; disease-related wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, which result from poor circulation and nerve damage, pressure injuries (bedsores) and inflammatory condition wounds associated with conditions like psoriasis, eczema; inflammatory conditions that generate conditions like psoriasis and eczema, or general accidents like cuts and scrapes resulting from kitchen accidents, DIY projects, or outdoor activities and sports wounds. In this article, we explore the challenges faced by institutions and patients in wound management and highlight how emerging innovative solutions are shaping the future of patient care.
Challenges for Institutions
Healthcare institutions, both public and private, grapple with a myriad of challenges when it comes to wound management. One of the key hurdles is ensuring continuity of care for patients transitioning from hospital to home settings. Discharge planning and post-discharge support are critical aspects of the care continuum, yet many institutions struggle to provide comprehensive services beyond the hospital walls. This often results in gaps in care, leading to increased risks of complications and readmissions.
Moreover, limited resources and staffing constraints further exacerbate the challenge of delivering quality wound care. Healthcare professionals face immense pressure to optimise their time and resources while juggling the demands of a diverse patient population. As a result, patients may experience delays in accessing timely care or receive suboptimal treatment due to resource limitations.
Challenges for Patients:
For patients, navigating the complexities of wound management can be overwhelming and daunting. From managing pain and discomfort to coordinating appointments and accessing specialised care, the journey to recovery is fraught with challenges. Limited mobility, financial constraints, and geographical barriers further compound the difficulties faced by patients, particularly those with chronic conditions or complex wounds.
Moreover, the transition from hospital to home care can be daunting for many patients, who may feel isolated or anxious about managing their condition independently. Without adequate support and guidance, patients may struggle to adhere to treatment regimens or recognise warning signs of complications, putting their health at risk.
Welcome Telehomecare (THC) Innovative Solutions:
Telehomecare (THC) propositions for wound management that offer comprehensive solutions bridging the gap between institutional care and home-based support are the way forward. Organisations like Mahiri-Telehealth Limited provide telehealth platforms like RemoteCare™ diagnostics, and remote monitoring capabilities, to empower healthcare institutions to extend high-quality care beyond their facilities.
These new forms of Telehomecare offerings for wound management and other conditions streamline the discharge planning process and facilitates seamless transition of care for patients from the institution to the home. Leveraging teleconsultations and remote monitoring, with professional homecare nurses working with institutional expert teams, healthcare providers can remotely assess patients’ wounds, provide real-time guidance, and track their progress from afar. This not only enhances the continuity of care but also reduces the burden on institutional resources and minimises the risk of readmissions.
For patients, this approach offers convenience, accessibility, and personalised support. Patients and homecare clients can connect with healthcare professionals and receive timely interventions to complement in-person appointments designed to be evaluation sessions or additional steps in the process where needed. Issues of confidentiality and security are addressed via solutions such as RemoteCare™, where image management is in the hands of the doctors and institutional experts who remotely control the cameras of the homecare nurse present with the patient or the patient’s device (mobile phone or tablet PC) where no homecare nurse is present.
Shaping the Future of Patient Care:
The new approach for wound management under Telehomecare adopted represents the future direction for wound management and patient care. By integrating care delivery across public health institutions, private healthcare providers, and homecare provision, the silos can be broken down and a unified ecosystem of support for patients can be created. Through the seamless coordination of telehealth, remote diagnostics, and personalised interventions, the way wounds are managed can be transformed, leading to improved outcomes, enhanced patient satisfaction, and reduced healthcare costs.
So, we can see that the challenges of wound management are complex and multifaceted, requiring innovative solutions that prioritise continuity of care, accessibility, and patient-centred support. New integrated approaches exemplify the future approaches for effective patient care, offering a holistic solution that addresses the needs of institutions, patients, and healthcare providers alike. As we continue to advance towards a more connected and patient-centric healthcare paradigm, the shift must be towards Telehomecare organisations like Mahiri HomeCare who are at the forefront, shaping the future of wound management and revolutionising patient care.
