20,000 Reasons We Can’t Ignore Wounds Any Longer: Insights from the UK’s Largest Ever Wound Database
Summary: Analysis of the UK’s largest wound database (n=20,000+ cases, 2020-2024) shows 30% non-healing rate for chronic wounds, with delays in offloading (average 2 weeks) and infection diagnosis driving 50% of failures. DFUs/VLUs dominate (60%); calls for standardized protocols and data sharing to achieve 80% 6-week healing target.
Key Highlights:
- Database: 20,000+ cases; 30% non-healing; DFU/VLU 60%.
- Factors: Offloading delay 2 weeks; infection misdiagnosis 40%.
- Trends: 25% increase in cases; 50% from delays.
- Recommendations: Standard protocols, data sharing for 80% target.
- Authors: Guest J, Fuller G, Vowden P et al.
Keywords: UK wound database, non healing, offloading delays, infection, standardization, J Guest, G Fuller, P Vowden