Wounddirected

Wounddirected is a term used to describe an integrated approach to wound management that emphasizes guiding the healing process by tailoring interventions to the wound’s specific biology and environment. It combines systematic assessment, decision support, and targeted therapies to influence the trajectory of healing rather than applying generic care.

Core concepts of wounddirected care include comprehensive, ongoing wound assessment (appearance, perfusion, moisture balance, infection status, and biomarker signals), selection of appropriate dressings and debridement strategies, and the use of therapies designed to direct wound biology. Practitioners may employ moisture management, infection control, and offloading as foundational steps, alongside advanced modalities such as negative pressure wound therapy, bioactive dressings, growth factors, and tissue substitutes when indicated. The approach also integrates physical and biomechanical factors, including edema reduction, perfusion optimization, and pressure relief, to create a wound-friendly environment.

The term is not universally standardized and its use varies across disciplines and regions. In many cases, wounddirected care reflects a broader movement toward data-informed, patient-specific wound management that leverages imaging, sensor data, and clinical judgment to predict healing trajectories and adjust treatment accordingly. It is commonly discussed in the context of chronic wounds—such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous and arterial ulcers, and pressure injuries—but can apply to acute and surgical wounds as well.

Benefits of wounddirected care include potentially faster closure, reduced infection risk, and improved resource use through targeted interventions. Limitations include the need for specialized assessment skills, access to advanced therapies, and an evolving evidence base guiding specific interventions.