What Patient Populations Are at Higher Risk for Wounds?
Summary: Experts in wound care highlight patient populations most at risk for developing wounds that fail to heal within 1–3 weeks. Factors such as advanced age, diabetes, vascular disease, immobility, and unrecognized underlying conditions contribute significantly to poor healing outcomes. The discussion stresses that wound care requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach.
Key Highlights:
- Older adults: Patients aged 65 and above face increased risk due to thinning skin, comorbidities, and reduced tissue perfusion.
- Diabetes and vascular disease: Diabetes and peripheral arterial disease impair circulation and delay healing, raising complication risks.
- Immobility and ICU patients: Bedridden, post-surgical, or intensive care patients are vulnerable to pressure injuries and delayed healing.
- Undiagnosed conditions: Non-healing wounds can be the first sign of previously unrecognized diabetes or vascular disease.
- Systemic approach: Healing requires evaluating vascular health, mobility, nutrition, and overall patient condition, not just wound appearance.
- Team-based care: Effective management depends on collaboration among wound specialists, vascular experts, primary care providers, and nursing teams.
Keywords:
higher risk populations,
older adults,
diabetes,
immobility,
vascular disease,
non-healing wounds