Advanced Wound Care and Wound Management
Overview
Based on product, the advanced wound care (AWC) and wound management (WM) market is segmented into advanced wound dressings, topical agents, surgical wound care/wound closure, and wound therapy devices.
In recent years, the number of surgical procedures has been on the rise and the prevalence of chronic diseases has also increased across the globe, which has resulted in a surge in the demand for advanced wound care and wound management products. Additionally, the rising incidence of diabetes as a result of a sedentary lifestyle is one of the primary factors contributing to the upsurge in demand.
Other factors influencing the growth of this industry sector, include aging populations, the increasing number of ambulatory surgical centers, and the prevalence of target illnesses such as leg ulcers.
The rapid growth of the sector is highlighting a long list of technical challenges, such as those relating to approved modalities and the supply of sterilization, further complicates the supply of products. Additionally, as our global population grows and ages, demand often increases out-of-step with available budgets, which inevitably results in an almost constant drive towards cheaper and/or more efficient solutions. Global high inflation has also impacted production and transportation costs, making it more difficult than ever before to ensure the profitable supply of critical medical technologies
Challenges when testing antimicrobial dressings
Current standards for testing antimicrobial wound dressings are regularly required to be modified to reflect the wound condition, which results in a re-validation of the method.
In vitro testing of wound dressings is complex due to the construction of different dressings; consequently, it is difficult to develop a test method that is suitable for all dressing types. The variability in wound dressing construction can also affect how the active agent may be made available.
Multi-species In vitro microbiology models create complexity due to how selected organisms interact and co-exist. This can create variability in results.
Given the physiological complexities that exist in chronic wounds and the variations in type and construction of wound dressings, significant challenges exist in developing representative,
robust, and reproducible in vitro models for testing wound dressings.
Challenges in accessing sterilization capacity
Global supply chain shortages, e.g., ethylene oxide sterilization facility shutdowns and raw material scarcity, continue to impact the availability of sterilization capacity within the medical technology industry.
Increasing regulatory demands governing Cobalt-60 use, supply chain costs, supply chain shortages, the time needed for gamma sterilization, and ethylene oxide sterilization facility shutdowns are key aspects triggering the switch to e-beam or X-ray radiation alternatives. However, some obstacles make it difficult for manufacturers of medical devices to navigate this transition.
One is a knowledge gap in how the different radiation sources (e-beam and X-ray irradiation) affect common medical device materials. Also, the irradiation effects on materials for all modalities must be documented to progress the use of different irradiation modalities.
Complexity around understanding coverage and reimbursement options for wound care dressings
There is increasing difficulty to be involved in wound care at any level, without working knowledge of the intricacies of various policies regarding wound dressings.
The following factors must be considered:
- Care setting
- Medicare Administrative Contractor for your geographic region
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME) local coverage determinations
- Type of dressings desired
- Wound assessment
The development of reimbursement guides to help simplify coverage guidelines and documentation requirements would benefit the wound care industry.
Complexity around understanding coverage and reimbursement options for wound care dressings
It is becoming increasingly difficult to be involved in wound care at any level without a working knowledge of the intricacies of various policies regarding wound dressings. Care setting, Medicare Administrative Contractor for your geographic region, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) local coverage determinations, type of dressings desired, and wound assessment are all factors that must be considered.
The development of reimbursement guides to help simplify coverage guidelines and documentation requirements would benefit the wound care industry.
An open and safe environment to facilitate industry wide collaboration in wound care
The MediPhorum AWC & WM segment focuses on addressing the challenges associated with   these devices, providing a safe and open environment for wound care organizations to enhance effective collaboration and develop progressive solutions to shared industry challenges.
MediPhorum enables wound care leaders to share knowledge and experience in a safe, collaborative environment, allowing the simplification of complex industry processes and challenges for the benefit of all.
By working together to develop consensus views and best practice approaches to solve problems, MediPhorum aims to help the wound care industry to supply these important products to more patients worldwide.
