In the evolving field of wound care, traditional clinical approaches are no longer sufficient. Chronic wounds demand more than just physical treatment—they require a partnership with the patient. This presentation introduces the concept of “wound balance” as a person-centered, goal-oriented model of care that integrates medical management with personal empowerment. Drawing on the latest evidence and international consensus, we explore how therapeutic patient education, holistic assessment, and early intervention using innovative tools like superabsorbent dressings contribute to improved outcomes and quality of life. Special focus is given to person-centered care principles, shared decision-making, and the psychological and social factors that shape adherence and healing. With real-world insights and practical tools, this session equips clinicians to not only heal wounds, but to support individuals in regaining autonomy, dignity, and control over their health journey.

Balancing the micro-wound environment is critical for wound healing. Chronic wound imbalance is often due to excessive protease levels (MMPs, PMN elastase) within the micro-wound environment, and results in aberrant local inflammation causing growth factor inactivation, matrix destruction, and the absence of granulation tissue formation and epithelial cell migration. Early identification and management of local inhibitors can prevent chronic wounds from developing. This presentation will provide an overview of wound biomarkers found in acute and chronic wounds, and the early clinical observations which indicate wound imbalance that should prompt clinicians into early action. Red flags of early wound chronicity, and the implementation of effective strategies to bring the wound into balance for prompt healing, will also be explored.

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD) is a common but often under-recognized condition in hospital settings. It significantly affects patient comfort, increases infection risk, and contributes to longer hospital stays. This presentation explores practical and evidence-based strategies to enhance both the prevention and treatment of IAD in acute care environments. Participants will gain insights into the latest developments in skin assessment tools, barrier products, cleansing routines, and risk stratification models. The session also discusses the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, staff education, and consistent documentation to improve outcomes. Real-world case examples and audit data will be shared to illustrate successful implementation strategies in various hospital units. The goal is to equip healthcare professionals with actionable knowledge to improve skin integrity, reduce complications, and elevate care quality for patients with incontinence.

Delivering effective skin care in community settings presents unique logistical, clinical, and resource-related challenges. This session focuses on strategies to prevent and manage Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD), pressure injuries, and skin tears in home care, residential care, and primary health environments. The presentation covers risk assessment, early intervention techniques, and the role of caregivers and community nurses in maintaining skin integrity. It also discusses access to products, education of informal caregivers, and the importance of coordinated care pathways. Despite limitations, community settings offer opportunities for personalized, preventive care, which can significantly reduce wound prevalence. Attendees will be introduced to innovative, low-resource approaches that support patient autonomy and engagement while ensuring high-quality care delivery. Emphasis will be placed on building resilience within community teams and establishing strong collaboration between stakeholders.

Cancerous wounds present significant challenges to both patients and clinicians. They are associated with malodour, necrosis, significant pain, bleeding, peri-wound moisture associated skin damage, and secondary infection. They may present as crater-like ulcers, or as raised nodules with a fungating cauliflower-like appearance which makes dressings difficult to apply. This presentation will explore outcomes of a clinical evaluation, reporting characteristics and performance of Siliconised Super Absorbent Polymer (SSAP) dressings by nursing staff in acute care hospital and outpatient wards. Clinical cases will be explored, and attendees will gain insights into the impact of wound topography on dressing function.Experiential and incidental findings will also be presented.

Wound care represents a significant and growing economic burden for health systems worldwide. This presentation provides a pragmatic overview of the health-economic landscape surrounding wound prevention and management, including Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis, pressure injuries, and chronic wounds. Using real-world data, cost analyses, and case studies, the session highlights the financial implications of delayed or suboptimal wound care. Participants will learn about the return on investment of preventive interventions, including risk assessments, early detection, and evidence-based protocols. The speaker will also address the importance of cost-awareness in clinical decision-making and resource allocation. The goal is to foster a balanced understanding of how clinical excellence and economic efficiency can go hand-in-hand. By embracing data-driven and value-based care models, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes while optimising costs—turning economic pressure into an incentive for innovation and improvement.