Leo Mavely, Founder and CEO, Axio Biosolutions explains the role of technology in wound care management in India
Wound care management is a comprehensive strategy for diagnosing, treating, and promoting wound healing. It involves various interventions, such as cleaning and treating wounds, managing infection, preventing complications, and giving proper wound care education to patients and carers. Historically, injuries were treated with various materials, such as potato peels, honey, chemicals, sterile gauze, and bandages, resulting in multiple complications. However, with the ever-evolving era, we have witnessed various paradigm shifts in the field of wound care management.
In this context, the rise of technology has undoubtedly transformed wound care treatment in India, improving patient outcomes while lowering healthcare expenditures. Innovations such as telemedicine, mobile apps, and automation have made it easier for doctors to monitor patients and deliver prompt therapies remotely. For instance, telemedicine can provide expert care and advice to patients in remote places, while enhanced wound dressings and other technology can encourage faster healing and better outcomes. As a result, it is safe to state that technology has the potential to improve wound care treatment in India significantly.
Technological advancement in wound care management
Early detection and treatment: Early detection and treatment are critical to preventing the disease from spreading to other sections of the body or other persons. This is where to limit the infection technical breakthroughs, such as imaging techniques like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, and three-dimensional (3D) wound imaging emerged as a solution to save patients. The technology allows healthcare practitioners to diagnose wounds precisely and quantify their severity. The implementation in wound care management will further aid in the tracking of wound progression, the evaluation of treatment efficacy, and the provision of evidence-based care.
Automation and robots: Maintaining patient health records has grown difficult due to the massive volume of data. Thus, by employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms and data analytics, healthcare providers can analyse enormous volumes of wound-related data, detect patterns, and make predictions. This can result in more personalised wound care interventions, earlier detection of wound worsening, and better treatment regimens. In fact, automated wound cleansing and dressing application devices can help to streamline the procedure, eliminate human error, and increase efficiency in healthcare settings. Furthermore, robotics-assisted wound care treatments, such as robotic debridement, improve wound treatment precision and consistency.
Advanced wound dressings and products: Technological advancements have developed novel wound dressings and solutions for both acute and chronic wound management, such as Protonated bioadhesive technology (PBT) and Bioactive microfibre gelling (BMG) technology. Axiostat is developed using PBT technology, for instance, focuses on improving the bioadhesive properties of native chitosan without changing its backbone with chemicals, resulting in bleeding control. Maxiocel dressing is developed using BMG, on the other hand, offer better exudate absorption and locking qualities, have outstanding anti-microbial properties, and promote wound healing.
Telemedicine and remote monitoring: Given the growing population of India, access to adequate healthcare can be difficult, especially in rural areas. In this regard, telehealth services have emerged as an essential element in decreasing the risk associated with wounds. In this context, telemedicine solutions enable healthcare experts to examine and monitor injuries remotely, offering expert counseling while diminishing the need for travel. In reality, by incorporating it, patients will be able to receive timely advice and support, enhancing their wound treatment outcomes.
All things considered!
Wound care management has become essential in India due to the high incidence of chronic wounds, the need for increased healthcare accessibility, the prevention of complications and amputations, cost-effectiveness, and the improvement of individuals’ quality of life. Thus, implementing comprehensive wound care strategies and leveraging technological advancements can significantly impact patient outcomes and healthcare system efficiency in the country.
In addition, with the opportunities, technology is also improving the wound care management sector in India. According to Mordor Intelligence, the India wound care management market is poised to register a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period 2018-2028. Furthermore, the implementation also enhances early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of wounds, leading to improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and better access to quality wound care, particularly in remote areas. Furthermore, seeking medical attention and following proper wound care protocols to prevent infection and promote healing has become influential. Thus, it is safe to say that technology is playing an essential role in boosting wound care management in India.