A new Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) programme has launched with an aim to transform wound care through data and digital tools.
The programme aims to support data collection and provision of care through a new digital wound management system, support the delivery of training for staff and implement a new evidence-based model based on the recommendations of the NWCSP.
Five sites have been announced to join the pilot programme including:
- Norfolk and Waveney ICB – East Coast Community Healthcare CIC and Norfolk Community Health and Care
- South East London ICB – Bromley Healthcare
- NHS Sussex ICB – Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust and Pioneer Wound Healing and Lymphoedema Centres (Pioneer formerly known as Healogics)
- Frimley ICB
The AHSN said “early modelling indicated that improving lower limb wound care would release 11 percent of community nursing time for other areas of care and reduce the spend on dressings due to faster healing and lower recurrence rates.”
Rebecca Whitting, National Programme Director at the AHSN Network, leading the programme, commented: “Transforming Wound Care is an exciting programme which builds on the evidence and learning from the National Wound Care Strategy Programme.
“The AHSN Network will use its expertise in spread and adoption, working with local systems to support the implementation of the three programme elements. We are delighted to have our first Test and Evaluations sites on board, and look forward to working with them on this journey.”
Dr Una Adderley, Director of the National Wound Care Strategy Programme, added: “This is an incredibly important programme which will significantly improve the quality of life for people with lower limb wounds. It will also bring large productivity benefits, particularly for community nursing, reduce pressure on general practice, and prevent urgent admissions to acute care.”
The programme is based on evidence, learning and recommendations from the National Wound Care Strategy Programme (NWCSP).
To find out more visit the programme webpage here.