Treatment Plans for Wound Care Customized, State-of-the-Art Treatment Plans
Our Wound Care patients may either obtain a referral from their physician or they may self-refer (often times this is insurance driven so check with your provider). Once referred to the Wound Center, our patients undergo a complete diagnostic examination to identify the type and cause of their wound. Our team of specialists—comprised of general and vascular surgeons, nurses and educators—then works closely with the patient's referring physician to develop a specialized treatment plan. These plans incorporate the most advanced wound treatments available, including:
In addition to the techniques listed above, patients also benefit from certain whole body wound healing approaches, such as:
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Approximately 20 percent of wound care patients become ideal candidates for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a medical treatment that uses pure oxygen to accelerate and enhance the body's natural ability to heal.
During HBOT, the patient is placed in a pressurized chamber where he or she breathes 100 percent oxygen for an extended period of time. (The air we normally breathe contains only 19 to 21 percent oxygen.) As a result, high concentrations of oxygen are quickly delivered to the bloodstream. This hastens wound healing, helps fight infections, stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and improves circulation. Carroll Hospital Center currently has two hyperbaric oxygen chambers.
The importance of patient participation
Taking advantage of our Wound Care Services represents a positive first step towards complete, timely healing.
In fact, studies show that wound care treatment centers and services have reduced the length of hospital stays by 24 percent. That's why it's important for all of our patients to remember that they play a large role in their care.
Once a treatment plan has been initiated, either home care will be started to assist patients with their wound care maintenance, or the patient and a member of their family will learn instruction on proper wound care maintenance between appointments. Tips on protecting the wound from further injury also will be taught. Following these instructions, remaining committed to the care plan is the best way to ensure a healthy, positive outcome.