Wound Care

The specialists at Cape Cod Healthcare Wound Care Center understand the challenges of treating acute and chronic wounds. At our two state-of-the-art locations conveniently located in Bourne and Hyannis, our expert team provides advanced and personalized wound care, from evaluation and treatment through follow up. In addition, Visiting Nurse Association home health care nurses are available to collaborate with the Wound Care team to support our patients who require home health services for dressing changes.

We are dedicated to wound healing; we have the technology, the resources and expertise to guide you towards your ideal recovery.

Why do wounds become chronic wounds?

Most people naturally heal following minor trauma, such as a bump or fall. However, some wounds fail to progress through the normal stages of healing in a timely manner. This failure to progress can be related to infection, lack of oxygen, chronic swelling and diabetes, among other factors. When impediments to healing exist, it is all the more important to create an ideal environment for healing to occur.

Studies show that the longer a wound persists, the less likely it is to heal. It is therefore recommended that patients with chronic wounds receive advanced wound care in a timely manner.

If you have a wound that has not made significant progress toward healing in two weeks or has not totally healed within 30 days, you may benefit from the expertise of the Cape Cod Healthcare Wound Care team.

Our collaborative approach

Our multidisciplinary team includes experienced providers from various specialties including, wound care, general surgery, podiatry, and vascular surgery, as well as wound-certified RNs, skilled medical assistants and certified nursing assistants who care for and engage you throughout the healing process. Our approach to wound care is guided by comprehensive, evidence-based practices to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.

Our care team collaborates closely with our providers to provide wound assessment, goal evaluation, lifestyle adaptations, and also collaborate in the treatment plan, all while providing a supportive and friendly environment for healing. Our customized care plans include a variety of clinical treatments, advanced therapies, and support services to facilitate the healing process. This comprehensive care may include referrals to specialists, diagnostic testing and/or nutritional counseling, when needed.

Robust patient education and ongoing collaboration with your personal physicians, home health services and/or family members optimizes the coordinated care process.

For more information about our wound care providers including their clinical interests, please click on the links below:

• Patrick J. Flynn, MD, PCWC, FAPWCA (Wound Care, General Surgery)
• Garry L. Brake, MD (General Surgery)
• Shawn Braunagel, DPM (Podiatry)
• Sean Rumrill, MD (General Surgery)

What to Expect

The first appointment lasts approximately  90 minutes and consists of a full assessment to determine the underlying reason why your wound is not healing. Based on the evaluation, a customized treatment plan will be developed to best address the needs of the wound, your overall medical needs, and any lifestyle concerns.

Your wound will be cleaned, measured, and photographed. The physician will likely perform debridement to remove unhealthy tissue and debris which can impede healing. Debridement also converts the chronic wound to an acute wound allowing the body to recruit substances to help healing. Prior to the debridement, the wound will be anesthetized with either topical or injectable anesthetic. A dressing will be chosen that best suits the characteristics of your wound type.

Your treatment plan may include addressing blood flow issues, vein issues, leg swelling, pressure relief, blood sugar control, infection control, referrals to specialists, diagnostic testing and/or nutritional counseling.

Wound care patients are usually scheduled to be seen once a week. Studies have shown that patients who are seen weekly have a far greater chance to heal and to heal quickly, compared to those who are seen less frequently. The size and depth of your wound will be documented at each visit and photographed on every fourth visit. This data is entered into the electronic record and allows us to track the progression of the wound towards healing, and the effectiveness of the current treatment.

As your wound progresses, evidenced-based clinical guidelines provide specify the best treatment options for you.