A regenerative approach to the pharmacological management of hard-to-heal wounds.

A wound is considered hard-to-heal when, despite the appropriate clinical analysis and intervention, the wound area reduces by less than a third at four weeks and complete healing fails to occur within 12 weeks. The most prevalent hard-to-heal wounds are associated with underlying metabolic diseases or vascular insufficiency and include arterial, venous, pressure and diabetic foot ulcers. Their common features include an abnormal immune response and extended inflammatory phase, a subdued proliferation phase due to cellular insufficiencies and finally an almost non-existent remodeling phase.

Management of Nonhealable and Maintenance Wounds: A Systematic Integrative Review and Referral Pathway.

General Purpose: To synthesize the evidence regarding nonhealable and maintenance wound management and propose an interprofessional referral pathway for wound management.

Target Audience: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

Learning Objectives: After participating in this continuing professional development activity, the participant will apply knowledge gained to:1.