Wound infection risk evaluation - a new prediction score - WIRE

Guidelines for the management of infected wounds are available from national and international scientific organisations. Transposing these guidelines into effective and easy to implement clinical protocols might be challenging., Healthcare professionals do not consistently have guidance on how best to treat patients with infected wounds and on what outcomes mean quality care. To address these issues, Paul Jhass Kent Community Health Foundation NHS Trust has developed a predictive tool and is working with Tissue Viability, Academia and Industry to develop a clear strategy for the management of infected wounds.A trust wide audit of 1500 patients with wounds led to the development of the predictive tool − Wound Infection Risk Evaluation Tool (WIRE). This tool supplements clinical judgment allowing the clinician to identify patients with localised infection/critical colonisation before systemic infection develops together with the associated costs of this. This abstract describes the tool, which is currently being validated for local use.ConclusionPredictive tools enable enhanced management and improved patient outcomes and benefits of timely interventions. Advanced technologies without matching capabilities and competences require ongoing education and training to achieving best outcomes.