Prevalence and incidence assessment of chronic wounds in Austria
There are currently no scientifically valid figures on the prevalence and incidence of chronic wounds in Austria, including the associated diagnoses, geographical distribution or demographic factors. Health planning therefore lacks any basis for making evidence-based decisions. Our study closes this crucial knowledge gap and examines the care of patients with chronic wounds under routine conditions.
Chronic wounds cause a major loss of health-related quality of life. In addition to the great physical and psychological strain on those affected, non-healing wounds also pose economic and organizational challenges to our healthcare system. In order to address these in a targeted and evidence-based manner, numbers are needed on the frequency of chronic wounds and the distribution of the causal diagnoses in the population. These numbers are currently missing. Only vague statements can be made based on international comparisons.
A prevalence estimate serves as a knowledge base for health planning and as a basis for a health economic assessment of the problem. The aim of the study by Kathrin Morasek, led by Raffael Himmelsbach and Tanja Stamm, is to estimate the prevalence and incidence of chronic wounds in Austria, broken down by age group, gender and federal states. A population-based, retrospective analysis of real-world data will be conducted. In order to be able to identify patients with chronic wounds in the existing databases, we proceed in two phases, starting with the analysis of the patient files from an outpatient wound clinic.
The results are then used in a second phase to derive characteristics that can be used to identify patients with chronic wounds from social insurance data. This allows us to break down prevalence and incidence rates for chronic wounds across Austria according to diagnoses, different age groups, gender and regions. Through the partnership with the Institute of Outcomes Research at the Medical University of Vienna, we receive support from their in-depth expertise in the data science area.
Investigation of advanced chronic venous insufficiency in persons with intravenous drug use
This research project, which is being carried out as part of a master’s thesis in the field of public health in cooperation with the Medical University of Vienna, aims to raise awareness of a problem that has not yet been examined in detail in Austria. Chronic venous insufficiency and the wounds resulting from it can result in a severe reduction in the quality of life of those affected.
This project aims to raise awareness of a problem that affects a vulnerable group of people – people who use intravenous drugs. According to international studies, chronic venous insufficiency can develop through repeated injection of substances, especially into the groin and femoral veins. If this remains untreated for a longer period of time, a venous leg ulcer can develop. Treating such a wound is time-consuming and material-intensive, and dressings must be changed within a few days to prevent infections and promote wound healing.
Those affected are confronted with various complications in everyday life due to a venous leg ulcer. Such a wound often causes pain and limits mobility. Social isolation is just one of the many consequences. In the long term, this can result in a reduced quality of life.
As part of this work, people who use intravenous drugs are recruited via some low-threshold contact points in Vienna. As part of the data collection, a clinical examination is first carried out in order to determine possible signs of advanced chronic venous insufficiency. For this purpose, the ankle brachial index is measured and a visual assessment is carried out using the CEAP classification. Data on the consumption behavior and quality of life of the study participants are then collected through an interview.
The aim of this project is to make healthcare structures aware of chronic venous insufficiency as a result of intravenous drug use. With timely intervention, the development of a chronic venous ulcer could even be prevented.