Wound infections are a high-priority concern for healthcare providers, especially when caring for older adults, who are more susceptible to infections in general and also more prone to developing chronic wounds. In fact, older adults make up 85% of all chronic wound cases. Infected wounds are painful, potentially debilitating, and can lead to hospitalization, impacting care outcomes for patients and quality metrics for providers.
For older adults in community settings, healthcare providers are tasked with helping to reduce the risk of avoidable hospitalizations due to complex and chronic wound infections. By partnering with Amedisys for home health care and taking a proactive approach to managing risk factors for wound development, patients can experience better outcomes.
Common Factors Contributing to Hospitalization for Wound Infection
Although patients of any age can experience a wound infection, older adults experience higher rates of chronic health conditions and changes related to aging, which increase the risk of both wounds and infection. These include the following:
Decreased Blood Flow
Prolonged pressure and reduced mobility restrict blood flow to tissues and can result in pressure injuries and chronic wounds that are difficult to heal.
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Alterations in Nutritional Intake
Decreased food intake and subpar nutrition — especially protein deficiencies — can negatively impact immune function and lead to thin skin.
Compromised Circulatory Status
Poor circulation can affect the supply of oxygen and nutrients reaching the tissue at the wound, increasing the risk of a chronic wound.
Presence of Biofilm in Wound
Biofilm — an aggregate of microorganisms in the wound bed — can evade immune response and induce chronic inflammatory response and infection.
High Levels of Stress
For all ages, but especially in older adults, stress has an impact on wound healing and increases susceptibility to infection.
Obesity
For those who are overweight, excessive adipose tissue has been linked to poor wound healing due to obesity-induced changes in the body.
Medications
Certain medications (such as anticoagulants), as well as polypharmacy, can interfere with wound healing.
Skin Changes with Aging
Thin skin and reduced skin elasticity is a natural part of aging, but it can lead to increased risk of wounds and prolonged wound healing.
History of Diabetes
Impaired wound healing is estimated to affect as many as 25% of those living with diabetes.
Avoiding Hospitalization Due to Wound Infection
Wound infection, deterioration or stagnation account for many infection-related hospitalizations. Considering a patient’s medical history and following evidence-based interventions can help avoid infection and unnecessary hospitalization. Here are some important options for managing a patient's wound care:
Managing Chronic Health Conditions
Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, immune system deficiencies and other chronic health conditions can slow wound healing. Therefore, care delivery that focuses on managing or combating these diseases can improve the wound healing process.
Maintaining Good Hygiene
Teach patients that before anyone — including the patient — touches the wound or the area surrounding it, they should wash their hands with soap and water. Be sure to keep the wound clean and covered and change the dressing consistently to avoid bacterial growth.
Staying Active
Encourage patients to stay as active as possible. Staying active through regular cardiovascular exercise (walking, jogging and swimming are great options) can help improve blood and oxygen circulation, which are crucial for wound healing.
Practicing Good Nutrition
Good nutrition can help the body heal faster, fight infection and keep the wound closed once it is healed. Protein is especially good for wound healing (unless contraindicated due to prescribed dietary restrictions) because it can help build up skin and tissues.
Quitting Smoking and Drinking
Addressing lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol use and drug use should be a part of wound care management. Evidence supports limiting or completely avoiding these activities for optimal outcomes.
Partner with a Home Health Care Provider to Manage Patient Health
Despite everyone’s best efforts, sometimes a wound may still become infected. Partnering with a home health care provider can help avoid hospitalization. At Amedisys, we support wound management in several ways:
- Home health empowerment programs— by offering targeted empowerment programs to address chronic illnesses like congestive heart failure, COPD and diabetes, we can help patients better manage conditions that contribute to poor wound healing.
- Innovative approach to wound treatment— our industry-leading wound care protocols are designed to address existing or worsening chronic wounds to avoid further complications. For example, we leverage advanced molecular testing for rapid identification of infections and the best treatment options.
To learn more about our wound protocol and the benefits of molecular testing, download a free copy of our one-pager, “Reduce Avoidable Hospitalizations Due to Wound Infections.”
If you’re interested in partnering with Amedisys for home health services for your patients, contact us today or subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about how Amedisys quality care can help support excellent outcomes for patients at risk for wound infections.
