Approximately 10.5 million people in the U.S. are living with chronic wounds, a number that has significantly increased since 2014 due to an aging population and an increase of comorbidities such as diabetes, vascular disease, immune system deficiency and more.
This rise has led to more clinical education and innovative protocols for wound care-related initiatives.
In the inpatient rehabilitation setting, nurses play a vital role in wound care and prevention, whether through educating patients on wound management, treatment or lifestyle factors. They help reduce wound-related hospital readmissions, streamline transitions across care settings and promote higher levels of patient satisfaction.
Studies suggest that patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or immunosuppression face a substantially elevated risk of infection due to impaired blood flow and immune response.
Comorbidities are also linked to pressure wounds, ulcers, amputations and other types of wounds often treated in rehabilitation settings.
The importance of a wound care protocol
To reduce the risks of chronic wounds, Encompass Health developed a wound care program that helps patients understand the importance of treating and preventing wounds through nutrition, education and holistic care. The program uses an interdisciplinary approach that in addition to nurses includes a care team of physicians, therapists, dietitians and more.
This approach focuses on preventive care to reduce severe infections that can stem from diabetic foot ulcers, malnutrition and other conditions.
Key factors clinicians rely on to assess effective treatments include:
- DIMES protocol for stalled wounds: This tool helps nurses evaluate and implement wound care strategies to improve patients' outcomes. DIMES stands for debridement, infection and inflammation control, moisture balance, edge advancement and support with products, services and education — essential guidelines to help increase the healing process for stalled wounds.
- Diet protocol for faster healing: Proper nutrition can help speed up recovery. The diet protocol ensures patients receive adequate fats, minerals, proteins and vitamins, which are essential for tissue repair and immune support.
Rachel Atchley, a registered nurse and wound care program coordinator at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Kingsport, a joint venture of Ballad Health and Encompass Health, said the wound care program is an initiative that improves patient outcomes and supports long-term success.
“A lot of our education focuses on preventing wounds from starting,” Atchley said. “Wound care management is highly effective. We have specialized wound care protocols that lead to increased patient outcomes. It enables us to address underlying factors that can reduce wound healing. We consider all the conditions that a patient might have in our care."
The role of nutrition and education in wound care
Wound care requires more than bandages — it requires a philosophy of care that integrates physiology, nutrition and clinical expertise.
Together, the care team collaborates to create treatment plans that support the patients' needs. These plans incorporate education, prevention and the patient's overall recovery goals.
“Wound care requires an interdisciplinary approach that includes both nurses and dietitians,” Atchley said. “I've never worked anywhere with such amazing dietitians and nurses who go above and beyond to meet each patient's unique needs. We train our techs to document how much patients are eating and how many fluids they consume, while our dietitians consistently assess patients' nutrition and protein intake.”
Proper education empowers patients to comply with medication, monitor wounds and maintain a healthy diet.
“When you properly educate patients, they are going to be more compliant with taking their medications, monitoring their wounds and eating a proper diet,” she said. “Education sets patients up for realistic success because some wounds take time to heal. Patients can become more informed and know when to call the doctor after leaving our hospital, once they learn how to properly care for and assess their wounds.”
What should a nurse expect with wound care management?
Nurses play a critical role in wound care management in inpatient rehabilitation. They perform dressing changes and educate patients and their families.
“We create individualized care plans for all of our patients,” Atchley said. “The admitting nurse will complete a two-person skin assessment. We take photos to track the wound and determine whether it is healing or worsening. Any pressure injuries at stages two or greater require extra assistance.”
Atchley said once they educate the patients about wound care and the importance of proper nutrition, it helps patients recover by increasing their awareness of wound healing and how to identify when medical attention is needed.
Educational opportunities
Atchley advises other nurses to take advantage of educational opportunities when they arise.
“For new nurses in the field, it's important to not just look at the wound on the patient — we look at the patient as a whole individual,” she said. “We focus on assessments, understanding dressing selection and take any wound care prevention training available at your hospital. Education is the best option when learning about wound care. Also seek mentorship.”
The benefits of a wound care certification helps nurses evolve in their careers and support the long-term success of patients. Whether you are pursuing additional academic credentials or focused on continuous professional development, wound care certification positions you as a vital member of the care team — supporting efficient, high-quality patient care and long-term clinical success.
