Wound care in people with dementia: the silent unknown

Overview

The incidence of both dementia and chronic wounds increases with age, thus, given the ageing population, the overlap is strong.

Clinicians report managing wounds in adults with dementia is a frequent and challenging problem, yet people with dementia are generally excluded from research into evidence-based wound care despite impaired cognition, high incidence of falls, immobility and incontinence, all of which are recognised risk factors for skin tears and chronic wounds.

This project aims to investigate the evidence in regard to dementia and chronic wounds and measure the prevalence of wounds and current wound management and prevention practices for people with dementia. This project will also develop and test an intervention to address this gap in the care of people with dementia and chronic wounds.

Research activities

You will:

• complete a systematic literature review
• undertake a pre and post cross-sectional interventional study working with clinical teams to implement and evaluate system wide interventions
• complete a prevalence audit, chart audit and survey methods
• implement research in real world settings.

Outcomes

This project will build on previous research:

Parker C, Finlayson KJ, Edwards HE & MacAndrew M. (2020). Exploring the prevalence and management of wounds for people with dementia in long-term care. International Wound Journal, 17(3), pp 650-659

This previous study was the first found that documented the prevalence of all wound types and the assessment, management and prevention strategies utilised for people with dementia and a wound. Project outcomes will provide much needed information to guide clinical care for people with dementia.

Skills and experience

A background in health is required.

Keywords

• wounds
• dementia
• nursing

Contact

Contact Associate Professor Christina Parker for more information.