(WHS-P78) Understanding barriers to wound care access and chronic wound management for veterans
Friday, May 17, 2024
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM East Coast USA Time
Veterans encounter formidable barriers in accessing essential wound care and managing chronic wounds, stemming from a multifaceted interaction of systemic, geographic, and psychological factors. Geographical disparities pose a significant challenge, as specialized wound care facilities are often concentrated in urban areas, leaving veterans in remote or rural locations with limited access. Veterans are also at increased risk of experiencing hurdles such as limited access to specialized wound care facilities, fragmented healthcare coordination, and insufficient awareness among healthcare providers regarding the distinctive needs of veterans. Mental health issues prevalent among veterans, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, contribute to the complexity by impeding proactive engagement in self-care and exacerbating chronic wounds. Additionally, a lack of comprehensive training amongst healthcare providers in veteran-specific wound care further hinders effective treatment. These multifaceted barriers underscore the need for targeted interventions that address geographic disparities, streamline healthcare transitions, enhance mental health support, and provide specialized training for healthcare professionals. This review underscores the importance of furthering interventions to enhance accessibility, improve healthcare coordination, and increase awareness among healthcare professionals. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensure that veterans receive timely and effective wound care, promoting overall well-being, health, and quality of life.