Implementing Wound Hygiene in the Italian Healthcare Context: Expert Recommendations for the Management of Venous Leg Ulcers

The ‘Wound Hygiene Italia’ project was designed to provide expert-driven recommendations for the assessment, management and monitoring of venous leg ulcers, tailored to diverse settings of care (hospital, ambulatory and home care). The recommendations, developed by a multidisciplinary panel, emphasise the implementation of the Wound Hygiene strategy, a systematic approach targeting biofilm as a primary barrier to wound healing. Wound management is structured around four steps: cleansing, debridement, edge refashioning and dressing selection adapted to the wound bed characteristics, care setting and clinical capabilities, embedded in a holistic approach through comprehensive patient assessment and monitoring of overall well-being. The findings highlight the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration, standardised tools and continuous patient monitoring, as assessed by objective metrics, such as wound size measurements and photographic documentation. Effective communication with patients and caregivers is also essential to ensure treatment adherence and foster trust in the care process. This framework integrates evidence-based practices to optimise outcomes and patient quality of life. By addressing both clinical and psychosocial factors, the recommendations promote a holistic, patient-centred approach that underscores the importance of education, structured follow-ups and tailored interventions.