Can a smartphone App help manage wounds in primary care?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although wound care guidelines are available for primary care providers, barriers to assessment and treatment remain. This article examines current evidence supporting wound management, wound guidelines, and provider comfort with wound management in primary care and discusses the need for improved training, education, and the development of a simplified approach to wound management in primary care.

METHODS: This review of evidence examines knowledge of wound care, wound curriculum, and the current availability of guidelines for health care providers at the frontlines.

CONCLUSION: Few primary care curriculums and institutions require wound care education. Access to guidelines, pathways, and educational resources is limited, which negatively effects primary care provider's knowledge and comfort level in treating wounds in current clinical practice.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Educating the general practitioner on evidence-based wound management and providing adequate resources remain a priority. Increasing awareness of available electronic wound care applications (Apps) can improve a timely wound care assessment, diagnosis, and initiation of treatment.