The Role of Communication in Managing Chronic Lower Limb Wounds
Summary: Published in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (June 25, 2025), this narrative review by Davide Costa and Raffaele Serra explores how effective communication—between clinicians, and between providers and patients—impacts outcomes in chronic lower limb wound care. The authors examine patient education, health literacy, remote care technologies, interdisciplinary teamwork, and culturally sensitive strategies.
Key Insights:
- Structured, empathetic provider-patient communication improves adherence, early detection, and supports emotional well-being.
- Interdisciplinary communication frameworks like SBAR and integrated electronic records reduce errors and improve care coordination.
- Innovations like telemedicine, mHealth apps, and AI-based chatbots expand access and reinforce patient engagement.
- Persistent barriers include low health literacy, cultural and language differences, and unequal access to digital tools.
- Addressing these challenges requires culturally tailored materials, motivational interviewing, digital literacy support, and equitable policy designs.
Conclusion: Communication is not just a clinical tool but a foundational component of chronic wound management—essential for patient adherence, team collaboration, and reducing disparities in care.
Keywords: chronic wounds, communication, interdisciplinary care, patient adherence, telemedicine, health literacy