Frugal innovation in wound management within a low resource inpatient setting: a case series

Stephens, Melanie; Wynn, Matthew; Pradeep, Sheba; Ackers, Louise; Namiiro, Rachel

Abstract

This article highlights challenges of wound care in low resource settings, considering opportunities for frugal innovation and our experiences while creating virtual wound care clinics across two global communities. In addition, we will discuss four real cases presented within the virtual clinics. An adaptation of the widely accepted tissues, infection, moisture, edge, regeneration and repair of tissue, and social factors (TIMERS) wound assessment is also proposed with considerations for low-resource settings. Method: From March to December 2021 the University of Salford engaged in a virtual wound clinic initiative with colleagues in Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. Results: The clinics provided opportunities for professional and academic development of students on postgraduate tissue viability module in Salford, while empowering nurses and midwives in Uganda in taking their place at the centre of multidisciplinary teams in care delivery Furthermore, it created links between the university and clinicians in Uganda to develop the delivery of evidence-based wound management. Throughout this period, challenges associated with low resources were highlighted and, in some cases, innovative approaches to managing wound care were adopted to account for this. Conclusions: The development and delivery of the virtual wound care clinics between the University of Salford and Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital provided an opportunity for reflection on practice. This led to development of a Fit4purpose wound dressing, revision of evidence-based guidelines, deeper understanding of the scarcity of essential items and frugal practice, and examination of skin tone bias in the signs and symptoms of wound infection in patients with dark skin tones.

Citation

Stephens, M., Wynn, M., Pradeep, S., Ackers, L., & Namiiro, R. (2023). Frugal innovation in wound management within a low resource inpatient setting: a case series. Wounds UK, 19(3),

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 10, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Sep 19, 2023
• Publication Date: Sep 19, 2023
• Deposit Date: Sep 20, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 22, 2023
• Journal: Wounds UK
• Print ISSN: 1746-6814
• Publisher: Wounds UK
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 3
• Publisher URL: https://wounds-uk.com/journal-articles/frugal-innovation-in-wound-management-within-a-low-resource-inpatient-setting-a-case-series/