Learning Objective #1: Identify to what extent evidence-based wound care practices are being implemented across health care settings

Learning Objective #2: Determine the relationship between specific wound care practices and outcomes such as healing rate and infection

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Purpose/Aims: To identify best practices in management of chronic wounds Sample: Data were collected at three sites (California, Virginia, New York) across multiple settings (clinic, nursing home, hospital, home care) and wound types (venous, diabetic and pressure). Database consists of 286 subjects; 38 subjects were excluded for failure to meet specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. Methods: Data were abstracted from closed medical records by trained data abstractors using a structured protocol. Six months of data were collected on every wound. Data categories included socio-demographics, diagnoses and comorbidities, wound characteristics, treatment approaches (dressings and debridement), and outcomes. Data entry was done for all primary and up to one secondary wound. Results: The sample consists of 95 pressure, 64 diabetic, and 128 venous ulcers. Evidence-based practices were not being followed in most settings; for example, compresson therapy was documented for just over 50% of venous ulcers. Less than 30% of the wounds were reported to have healed. Contraindicated therapy was also documented. Conclusion: Wound care practices remain deficient across clinical settings.