Managing chronic, nonhealing wounds using a research-based protocol.

The physical, emotional, and financial costs of caring for patients with chronic, nonhealing leg wounds are substantial. In fiscal year 2001, the home care department of a large Veterans Affairs medical center in the Pacific Northwest spent nearly half of its annual budget on veterans needing wound care. In this article, the authors describe a practice improvement project designed to improve the wound care management of homebound veterans with chronic, nonhealing lower extremity wounds using a research-based protocol and consultation by a certified wound care specialist, as well as the effect of this program on home care expenditures.