Improving the Quality of Wound Care Delivery through the Development of Collaborative and Comprehensive Organizational Structure

This paper investigates the benefits of a collaborative organization structure and proposes that delivery of care in a cohesive service line organization will contribute to improvements in quality and patient satisfaction relative to the provision of wound care services as compared to more common fragmented organizational structures.  A singular component toward creation of a service line approach is the designation of a medical director responsible for wound care provided throughout the continuum.  Research supporting the premise is found in cited literature reviews as well as interviews with program directors, industry leaders and clinical experts in the field.  Less than 15% of hospital organizations have formal organizational structures.   As evidence by the research and opinions of industry leaders, successful programs as defined by patient outcomes and satisfaction are achieved by a collaborative approach to wound care.  Management firms have facilitated the creation of formal structures and may have a roles in wound care delivery.  In addition, organizations outside of acute care have a greater need for collaboration to achieve continuity of care.  Since wound care is provided by inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and independent physicians, coordination becomes integral to produce desirable wound healing goals.