Evaluating the Clinical and Managerial Impact of Advanced Moisture-Balance Protocols in Chronic Wound Care Units

Abstract

Chronic wounds remain a significant clinical and economic burden, particularly in healthcare units where prolonged healing times and high resource utilization are common. Optimizing moisture balance in wound management is crucial for accelerating healing, preventing infection, and reducing complications. This study evaluates the clinical and managerial impact of implementing advanced moisture-balance protocols in chronic wound care units, combining evidence-based dressing selection, standardized monitoring, and structured care pathways. Data were collected from a multicenter observational cohort comprising 312 patients with pressure injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, and venous leg ulcers over a 12-month period. Clinical outcomes measured included wound closure rates, healing time, incidence of infection, and patient-reported pain and satisfaction. Managerial outcomes assessed encompassed resource utilization, dressing change frequency, staff workload, and cost-effectiveness. Results demonstrated that units applying advanced moisture-balance protocols achieved a 28% reduction in mean healing time and a 35% improvement in wound closure rates compared with conventional care. Infection rates decreased by 22%, while patient-reported pain scores were significantly lower, indicating improved comfort. Managerially, optimized dressing protocols reduced dressing consumption by 19%, decreased staff time per patient, and enhanced overall operational efficiency. These findings underscore the dual clinical and organizational benefits of structured moisture management in chronic wound care, providing evidence to support wider adoption of protocolized care. Future research should investigate long-term sustainability, integration with digital monitoring tools, and cost-benefit analysis across diverse healthcare settings.