Center for Wound Healing
The expert medical practitioners at the Center for Wound Healing at Jersey Shore University Medical Center provide outpatient treatment and care that not only heals wounds – it heals lives.
Wound Assessment
Patients are often referred by their primary care physician and based upon the wound location, are assigned to one of the wound panel specialists. (You can also make an appointment directly with the Center to arrange for a consultation.) An initial evaluation of the wound is then conducted to identify the type of wound and any underlying problems causing the wound. Evaluation includes a complete review of the patient’s medical history, overall health, as well as a vascular assessment (possibly with non-invasive tests), to provide more comprehensive data.
Wound size and depth are documented and photographed at the initial visit and then again every four weeks until discharge in order to monitor progress and to provide reports to your physician. Once a treatment plan has been designed, patients will visit the center on a regular basis for specialized treatments and documentation.
Treatment
Comprehensive Healing Plan
Wound healing is a complex process influenced by a number of medical factors. Using a system of thorough diagnostics and regular evaluations of progress, the expert team at the Center for Wound Healing follows the most comprehensive, physician-focused, evidence-based clinical practice, which are the essential steps to healing.
The center uses an interdisciplinary model of care, including infectious-disease management, radiology testing, laboratory evaluation, debridement, pain management, diabetes management, nutritional management, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to address total patient health.
After evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is developed to best meet the needs of the patient. Circulation of blood flow to the wound area, existence of infection, amount of non-viable tissue, and the amount of pain the patient has are all considered when identifying the most effective treatment option.
Treatment Options
Advanced treatment options include:
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO)
- Debridement (define)
- Bio-engineered skin grafting
- Compression therapy
- VAC Therapy (define)
- Wound cleansing and advanced dressing selection
- Vascular and Arterial Workups/Doppler Studies
- Pulse Volume Recordings (PVRs)
- Electric Stimulation
- Advanced wound healing products
What to Expect
Partner in Care
Our highly-specialized, multi-disciplinary team of wound care specialists, including board certified surgeons, podiatrists, internal medicine physicians and wound care certified registered nurses, understand the underlying causes of non-healing wounds and take pride in utilizing a comprehensive healing approach.
Wound care is a team effort that fully involves the patient, and a vital part of treatment protocol is active patient participation. Our specialists educate and motivate patients to be compliant with their specific plan of care to maximize healing between visits, and patients are responsible for following proper home care which includes dressing changes and protecting the wound from further injury.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
- A list of any medications you are currently taking, as well as any allergies you are aware of
- Medical records including x-ray films if you have them
- Insurance forms or cards
Environment of Healing
The Center for Wound Healing at Jersey Shore University Medical Center provides you and your guests with small touches that can make a big difference, including individual flat screen televisions in the hyperbaric chambers. Patients can bring in their own movie on DVD, music on a CD, or watch television while receiving treatment in the hyperbaric chamber.
You may also be interested in
Stroke Rescue Center
Effective treatment delivered within the first three hours is critical to limiting the damaging effects of stroke. Jersey Shore’s Stroke Rescue Center and board-certified neurologists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation is an area of health care which is dedicated to improving the quality of life and functional status of an individual who has difficulty with daily activities due to an injury or illness.
Surgical Specialties
The Department of Surgery is an academic program that combines the latest clinical advances in patient care, teaching, and research.
Trauma Center
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the trauma center for adults and children in the region, providing expertise and specialty capabilities unavailable at any other hospital in Monmouth or Ocean County.