The Determinants of Wound Care Clinic Utilization: An Empirical Analysis of Patient Admission Reasons

Introduction: The aim of the study was to identify the reasons why patients seek care at a wound care clinic, the most common wound types encountered, previous treatment experiences, and patient perceptions and expectations regarding care.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between January and March 2025. Data were collected from the patients who applied to the Wound Care Clinic, through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire.
Results: The study included 391 patients. The main reasons for admission were pain, signs of infection, and the need for regular wound care. Surgical wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, and pressure ulcers were the most frequently treated wound types. Although most patients had previously undergone treatment, only a small percentage reported complete healing, indicating persistent challenges in wound management. Nurses were identified as the primary providers of wound care, and the majority of participants stated they had received information about their condition.
Discussion and Conclusion: The findings highlight persistent challenges in wound management and emphasize the need for nurse-led patient education, early identification, and proactive management of chronic wounds. Integrating evidence-informed complementary approaches and strengthening referral pathways may enhance care quality, promote holistic patient-centered care, and improve overall outcomes.

Keywords: Chronic wounds; Nursing; Patient admission; Wound care; Wound types