[Wound networks in Germany: structure, functions and objectives 2014]

[Challenges of aging skin: Care and therapy using the example of venous ulcers]

BACKGROUND

One of the most significant, and growing, challenges in modern medicine, i.e. the treatment of chronic wounds, is marked by nonuniform data. This concerns both prevalence and incidence of chronic dermatosis, in particular venous ulcers (ulcus cruris), as well as the impact on the health-related quality of life, and practical and economic parameters of the success of different therapies.

PURPOSE

The aim of this work is to examine the epidemiology of chronic wounds, in particular age-associated venous ulcers, their impact on health-related quality of life, the treatment regimen, and practical and economic parameters of the success of different therapies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Performed were analysis of data on the care of venous ulcers in Germany, based on secondary data of Barmer GEK from 2009 and 2012, comparison with data of a NHS Kent Community Health Trust study, and analysis of studies concerning structures, processes and critical success factors for the treatment of chronic wounds, including economic effects.

CONCLUSION

Early causal therapy with treatment based on the stage of the wound, consequent goal-oriented interdisciplinary care, and relapse prophylaxis is critical for successful healing of venous ulcers. The costs of treatment significantly correlate with the duration of treatment which can be reduced by up to 60% using guideline-based concepts for the treatment of chronic wounds. Treatment success, in particular with regard to cost-benefit considerations, can be optimized by telemedicine networks of key players who treat chronic wounds.

Epidemiology and health care situation of chronic wounds in Germany

Chronic wounds are of great socioeconomic importance. Usually they are associated with a long, complicated and burdensome course of disease and require high nursing and medical expenses. The quality of life of patients with chronic wounds is substantially impaired. This article provides a systematic overview of current studies on the morbidity and the health care situation of patients with chronic wounds, especially in patients with leg ulcers in Germany.

Analyses based on routine data of statutory health insurances show higher incidence and prevalence rates, for example of patients with leg ulcers, compared with previously regional surveys. The quality of care is inadequate, particularly in diagnostics and therapy of patients with leg ulcers. To date, there is undersupply and a lack of execution and deficient knowledge about the compression treatment in patients with venous leg ulcers.

Thus, there is need for further action in order to establish better implementation of guidelines in the management of patients with chronic wounds.

Power through standards: The Federal Conference for Outcome Measurement and Benefit Assessment of Chronic Wounds

Background When concerning documentation and follow up measurement for chronic wounds, uniform standards are a vital precondition for further development of care in Germany. The Federal Consensus Conference “Outcome Measurement and Benefit Assessment for Chronic Wounds” has taken action and has approved systematic recommendations including small data records since 2013.

Aim In the following review rationales, objectives, methods and action outcomes of the Federal Consensus Conference are summarized.

Results Experts from more than 25 different scientific expert associations, professional associations, organizations specialized in care, representatives of statutory health insurance companies as well as the Federal Ministry of Health participated in the consensus formation. From 2013–2015 a total of eight consensus meetings as well as six online consensus enquiries were agreed upon. These entailed a) the relevant subject areas for consensus formation, b) the necessary standards for wound documentation, c) recommendations concerning the enquiries on quality of life for people with chronic wounds, d) recommendations for minimal clinically relevant differences, e) standards on utilization of secondary data and f) recommendations for health-economic analytics of ulcus cruris. The first four publications concerning this topic were finalized.

Conclusions The combination of personal attendance meetings and online enquiries with a broad panel of experts has proved to be an efficient tool for consensus formation regarding the documentation criteria and outcome criteria for chronic wounds using the example of ulcus cruris. The present results are subject of an active implementation in 2016/2017 and at the same time provide a chance for an improved process- and result quality concerning nationwide care.