On-Demand Expertise: Addressing Care Gaps for Wounded Patients

By Nima Ahmadi, Co-founder and CEO

Wound care is a critical aspect of healthcare that demands expertise and specialized knowledge. However, the current state of wound care experts reveals a broken system with limited access, hindering patients from receiving optimal care. At The Wound Company, we recognize these challenges and are dedicated to bringing forth stronger wound care outcomes through on-demand wound and ostomy expertise.

Who Exactly is a Wound Care Expert? 

A wound and ostomy expert retains specialized knowledge and skillsets in treating and managing wounds and ostomies. These professionals play a crucial role in assessing, diagnosing, and providing evidence-based care to patients with acute or chronic wounds. They have an in-depth understanding of wound healing principles, advanced treatment modalities, and ostomy management techniques.

To become a certified wound/ostomy expert, healthcare professionals – primarily registered nurses – undergo rigorous training and obtain specialized certifications. These certifications, such as Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN), validate their expertise and ensure they meet the highest standards of wound care practice and experience. This level of specialization at the nursing level is crucial in delivering both comprehensive and effective care to patients across a variety of different wound care patients. 

The Scarcity of Wound Care Experts: An Industry Challenge

One of the fundamental issues in wound care is the scarcity of experts in the field. Compared to other healthcare professions, the number of wound care experts is limited, resulting in a lack of access to specialized care for patients in need. 

According to the United States Registered Nurse Workforce Report Card and Shortage Forecast, a shortage of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to be present across the nation through 2030. This subsequently translates to a more pronounced shortage of certified wound care nurses, who already require an extra degree of specialization before providing care. 

The shortage of wound care nursing experts is particularly concerning because wound management requires continuous monitoring, assessment, and adjustment of treatment plans and appropriate supplies. Without access to timely expertise, coupled with the disconnected nature of doctor-patient relationships, patients may experience delayed healing, increased risk of complications, and prolonged pain and discomfort. This directly contributes to higher rates of ER visits, hospital admissions, and limb amputations.

Addressing the Broken System:
The Wound Company's Approach

The Wound Company recognizes the challenges inherent in the wound care industry, and we’ve already taken decisive steps to address them. Our model revolves around providing on-demand wound and ostomy experts, ensuring patients have access to timely, specialized, and holistic care as early as possible in the care continuum. Through our platform, we connect patients and providers with certified wound care experts who can provide guidance, support, and personalized treatment plans.

We understand the urgency underpinning wound care, which is why we strive to connect patients with an expert within 24 hours. And by leveraging our national network of wound care specialists, we can bridge the gap between patients and experts, regardless of geographical location. This immediate access to expertise ensures that patients receive the care they need, when they need it, leading to faster healing and improved outcomes.

We also focus on empowering patients to actively participate in their healing journey. Through continuous engagement, education, and support, we foster strong provider-patient relationships that reinspire patient confidence and trust in the healthcare system. This approach promotes better communication, allows patients to voice their concerns, and ensures their treatment plans align with individual needs.

Wrapping Up 

The current state of wound care and lack of specialized expertise highlights the challenges and limitations faced by patients in need of personalized care. We believe in transforming the wound care landscape by providing on-demand wound and ostomy expertise, and through our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and patient empowerment, we strive to improve wound care outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and restore the trust of patients.

Join us in our mission to reimagine wound care and ensure that every patient with a wound receives the expertise and care they deserve. Together, we can heal the broken system and unlock the full potential of wound care experts to bring stronger health outcomes to patients across the nation.