We aimed to characterise and quantify SWHSIs, their outcomes and impact, and to begin to identify effective SWHSI treatments. The core aims of the research were achieved via four interdependent workstreams. The links between the four workstreams are shown in Figure 1.
FIGURE 1 Overview of the whole research programme and its inter-relationships. (Figure not reproduced here; see the original article.)
Workstream 1
Workstream 1 aimed to describe the number, characteristics, current treatments, impacts and health outcomes of patients with SWHSIs. This was achieved using an initial prevalence survey and a subsequent inception cohort of patients with a SWHSI to collect naturalistic data regarding treatments used, rates of healing, adverse events and quality-of-life changes.
Workstream 2
Workstream 2 aimed to use all available research data to estimate the cost-effectiveness of current treatments for SWHSIs, as identified in workstream 1, and was completed using evidence synthesis and decision-analytic modelling. If assessments of cost-effectiveness suggested that there was decision uncertainty (i.e. uncertainty about which treatment offers best value to the NHS), we would extend analyses to assess whether or not investment in future research on treatments for SWHSIs was likely to be worthwhile and, if so, what research would offer best value for money.
Workstream 3
Workstream 3 aimed to determine the impact of SWHSIs on patients, specifically their perspectives and experiences of living with a SWHSI, of wound management and relevant wound outcomes. In addition, this workstream aimed to determine NHS professionals’ views about SWHSI treatments and important outcomes to measure treatment effects. This was achieved through qualitative interviews with both patients and NHS professionals.
Workstream 4
Workstream 4 aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting further primary research on SWHSIs through a pilot, feasibility RCT.
This synopsis describes the results of our findings from all four workstreams. Publications arising from this research programme are listed in the Acknowledgements.