Evaluating the impact of using a wound-specific oral nutritional supplement to support wound healing in a rehabilitation setting

Chronic wounds can negatively impact a patient's life, increase the risk of mortality, and create higher healthcare costs. Nutritional support may help prevent or treat non-healing wounds. This study looked at the impact of a wound-specific oral nutritional supplement (WS-ONS) on chronic wounds in rehabilitation patients. Patients who received the supplement had nearly twice the wound area reduction compared to those on a regular diet. The results suggest that WS-ONS can improve wound healing, especially in the early stages of care. Patients with larger wounds and lower functional independence were more likely to receive WS-ONS.

• 1
  Patients receiving WS-ONS had a significantly greater reduction in wound surface area at discharge compared to the control group (61.1% vs 34.5%).
• 2
  The likelihood of wound improvement was higher in the WS-ONS group, particularly during the first two weeks of care.
• 3
  Patients with larger wounds and lower functional independence were more likely to be prescribed WS-ONS, indicating recognition of the need for nutritional support.