The cost of wound care treatment is rising at an alarming rate. And with much to learn about wounds and the best ways to treat them, it is a relief to know studies and research are ongoing to develop such treatments.
Kalorama Information released a report this year that predicted the global wound care market would rise to more than $20 billion within the next two years. Currently, $25 billion is spent each year on their care. The prevalence of chronic wounds is especially alarming, as there are an estimated seven million people suffering from chronic wounds across the United States. [1]
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality granted the John Hopkins Evidence-based Practice Center close to half a million dollars to research state-of-the-art wound care. The center is working to distinguish what is known about medications, antibiotics, dressings, and surgery, along with verifying strategies proven to work.
The report finds increased use of negative pressure wound therapy products. These are specific dressings and vacuum technology that enables faster healing.
Investigators are focusing mainly on lower extremity diabetic ulcer wounds, common complications of diabetes which can be compounded by lack of exercise, immobility, and lack of good nutrition. Other types of wounds such as pressure ulcers will be of focus in the research.
[1] O’Connor, John. “Higher wound care costs are driving treatment research.” McKnight’s Long Term Care News. Web. 11 July 2012.
