Early wound infection identification using the wire tool in community health-care settings: an audit report

The Wound Infection Risk-Assessment and Evaluation (WIRE) tool was developed in response to a lack of an existing assessment tool for wound infection. Considering the number of patients living with wounds and the associated complications in the Kent area it was deemed necessary for Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust to proactively look at ways to bring objectivity to wound infection assessment.

Nationally, most wounds healing by secondary intention or are delayed in healing are managed in the community by district nursing teams and practice nurses. According to Guest et al.,¹ about 2.2 million wounds are managed annually in the NHS, costing about £5 billion. Approximately 1.45 million people nationally are managed with wounds by community nursing staff every year. Earlier estimates indicate that up to half of all wounds may develop infection at some stage.² In Kent Community NHS Foundation Trust, it is estimated that up to 60% of the district nursing workload is related to wound care, therefore making wound management a priority.