On the Lookout

As with most chronic conditions, the sooner an expert takes steps to promote healing the better the results – and wound care is no exception. “We take a great deal of time to teach our patients about what may cause a non-healing wound and how soon to seek medical help,” says Ellin Ede, program director at the UHS Center for Advanced Wound Care. “This is particularly important for our diabetic patients. There are so many conditions associated with diabetes. And during routine visits to manage their diabetes, patients may not remember to review every single condition. That’s where our wound care centers can help.”

For example, a patient with a non-healing foot ulcer associated with diabetes will not only have their foot checked as part of every visit, but they will also learn about how to examine their feet every day at home, what to look for and when to check in with their primary care physician.