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Phlebologie 2016; 45(02): 75-80
DOI: 10.12687/phleb2301-2-2016
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Epidemiology and health care situation of chronic wounds in Germany

Article in several languages: English | deutsch
K. Heyer
1   University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), Hamburg, Germany
,
K. Protz
1   University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), Hamburg, Germany
,
M. Augustin
1   University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), Hamburg, Germany
,
K. Herberger
1   University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), Hamburg, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 22 January 2016

Accepted: 27 January 2016

Publication Date:
21 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Chronic wounds are of great socioeconomic importance. Usually they are associated with a long, complicated and burdensome course of disease and require high nursing and medical expenses. The quality of life of patients with chronic wounds is substantially impaired. This article provides a systematic overview of current studies on the morbidity and the health care situation of patients with chronic wounds, especially in patients with leg ulcers in Germany.

Analyses based on routine data of statutory health insurances show higher incidence and prevalence rates, for example of patients with leg ulcers, compared with previously regional surveys. The quality of care is inadequate, particularly in diagnostics and therapy of patients with leg ulcers. To date, there is undersupply and a lack of execution and deficient knowledge about the compression treatment in patients with venous leg ulcers.

Thus, there is need for further action in order to establish better implementation of guidelines in the management of patients with chronic wounds.

Keywords

Chronic wounds - epidemiology - leg ulcer - health care situation - health services research
 

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