In these times of confinement and quarantine due to the COVID-19 virus, the care for chronic wounds has become somewhat of a lower priority. The rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic has hospitals and acute care facilities changing standard operating procedures to limit viral transmission and free up capacity in care. As a result, wound care services, procedures and surgeries are undergoing considerable change, causing major impact on patients and their wellbeing.
This results in neglect of sufficient care of wounds and therefore these wounds can escalate.
The papers below examine the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the care so badly needed by patients with chronic wounds.
- Impact of the COVID-19 lock down strategy on vascular surgery practice: more major amputations than usual (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343439918_Impact_of_the_COVID-19_lock_down_strategy_on_vascular_surgery_practice_more_major_amputations_than_usual)
- Diabetic Foot Problems During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Center: The Emergency Among the Emergencies (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343182289_Diabetic_Foot_Problems_During_the_COVID-19_Pandemic_in_a_Tertiary_Care_Center_The_Emergency_Among_the_Emergencies)
It is seen in several countries that this escalation of wounds causes an increase of major amputations. In the south of Netherlands and Naples, Italy, this has been documented and published. In the Netherlands it is reported that with an increase of 27% to the normal amputation rate, now 42% of the cases seen need a major amputation. In Naples, an increase of even 42% of amputations was seen, however these amputations were minor amputations as well.
These papers have been published to create awareness for the impact of the fear of coming to the hospitals and request for desperately needed care. With more frequent care and follow up of the wound care this could have been kept within normal margins. Now, let’s all stay aware that not only COVID patients need care!
