NutriWound
Within this PWO research project, we will conduct implementation research on the use of needs-based food enrichment interventions for patients with severe pressure ulcers. This research is highly valuable, as such nutritional strategies—despite their proven effectiveness in promoting wound healing—have yet to be widely adopted in clinical practice. In the first phase, we will work with all relevant stakeholders to identify the barriers to implementation. In the second phase, we will define an implementation process and strategy, which will then be executed and evaluated. The goal is to bridge the gap between evidence and practice, improving patient outcomes through targeted nutritional support.
Implementation of targeted nutritional interventions in patients with severe pressure ulcers
Due to the ageing population, the number of patients with chronic wounds—including severe pressure ulcers—is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. This rise will not only place greater strain on the healthcare system but also lead to increased healthcare costs. To mitigate this, it is essential to focus on multidisciplinary treatment, with appropriate nutritional support being a key component.
Research has shown that adequate, evidence-based nutritional care, using a variety of strategies, plays a crucial role in treating patients with chronic wounds. Malnutrition is a major negative factor in the wound healing process. However, prevalence data in Belgium indicate that 33% of hospitalised patients, 16% of residents in care homes, and 13% of elderly people living at home are malnourished. This significantly increases the risk of poor outcomes in wound treatment and healing.
Although needs-based food enrichment has previously been shown to be both effective and cost-saving in promoting wound healing in patients with severe pressure ulcers, it has not yet been widely implemented in practice. This PWO project will therefore focus on implementation research regarding interventions for (protein-)needs-based food enrichment as part of the treatment of patients with severe pressure ulcers, with the aim of enhancing the wound healing process.
The project will:
- Explore the problem in depth,
- Define suitable interventions and the implementation process,
- Effectively implement these interventions,
- And evaluate their impact.
Meet the researchers
Our partners
- Universiteit Gent, Universitair Centrum Verpleegkunde en Vroedkunde
- Universiteit Gent, SKINT
- Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent
- Zorgcentrum Wondzorg
- WCS België