Critical elements to building an effective wound care center.

There are a growing number of wound care centers being established globally. The emergence of these centers reflects the increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic wounds as well as the cost to the health care systems these patients represent. A systematic approach to the development and implementation of a comprehensive wound care program is necessary to provide quality wound care as well as to establish a financially viable enterprise. A wound care center can take shape in various forms from small free-standing clinics to large hospital-based programs. Regardless of the physical location, the most important factor for the success of the wound care center is a strong commitment by the members of the multidisciplinary team. The capacity to effectively manage certain wounds can be limited by the absence of key specialties within the team. The physical space and financial support from the sponsoring institution are also important components. This article reviews the critical elements to building and sustaining a successful multidisciplinary wound care center.