Shifting Paradigms from Habit to Evidence in Wound Care Practice
A recent Clinical Insights column on WoundSource by **Windy Cole, DPM** emphasizes the need for clinicians to move beyond traditional habits and towards an evidence-driven, proactive approach in wound care.
Main Themes:
- Habitual Patterns vs. Evidence-Based Practice: Dr. Cole challenges practitioners to evaluate legacy workflows and embrace updated protocols grounded in current research.
- Preventive over Reactive: The shift involves prioritizing preventive management—such as early infection detection, offloading strategies, and moisture balance—before wounds progress.
- Protease and Biomarker Awareness: Understanding wound biochemistry (e.g. protease levels, MMP activity) can inform dressing choices and intervention timing.
- Educational Empowerment: Staying current through webinars, expert opinion, and updated practice modules like Wound Balance frameworks enhances patient outcomes.
Clinical Implications: Wound care professionals should routinely question outdated practices, engage with ongoing education, and utilize clinician tools (e.g. Wound Balance, biomarker-guided dressing selection) to deliver more precise and outcome-focused care.
Keywords: Windy Cole, evidence-based practice, preventive wound care, protease biomarkers, Wound Balance, Clinical Insights, practice habits