Wound Healing: Main Role of Physical Therapy and Health Information System-An Updated Review

Abstract

Background: Wound healing (WH) presents significant challenges in healthcare, with both acute wounds (AWs) and chronic wounds (CWs) causing long-term impacts. AWs, such as burns or surgical trauma, often result in scarring, while CWs, frequently linked to systemic conditions like diabetes, malnutrition, and vascular abnormalities, pose a greater risk of morbidity. Among the most common CWs are diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), leg ulcers (LU), and pressure ulcers (PU). Despite treatment advancements, scarring remains a major concern. This review highlights the growing role of physical therapy (PT) and health information systems (HIS) in improving WH outcomes.

Aim: This review aims to explore the contribution of physical therapy techniques, such as laser therapy, electrical stimulation, and low-level laser therapy, in facilitating wound healing, particularly in chronic wound management. It also investigates the integration of health information systems in tracking and optimizing wound care interventions.

Methods: The review synthesized recent studies on PT modalities in wound care, examining their biological mechanisms and clinical efficacy. Additionally, it explored the application of HIS in wound management to improve documentation, communication, and treatment planning. The reviewed studies were selected based on their relevance to PT in WH and the integration of HIS in chronic wound care.

Results: PT modalities, including electrical stimulation, low-level laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy, were found to enhance the healing process by promoting cellular regeneration and reducing inflammation. The role of HIS in wound care was found to be essential in improving treatment consistency and patient outcomes by ensuring timely interventions, data accuracy, and seamless coordination among healthcare providers. Integration of HIS in wound management aids in real-time monitoring, leading to more personalized and efficient care.

Conclusion: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in improving the healing of both acute and chronic wounds, with evidence supporting its efficacy in promoting tissue regeneration and reducing scarring. Health information systems are instrumental in supporting the clinical decision-making process by providing comprehensive data and facilitating the management of complex wound care. Future studies should continue to focus on the integration of these therapies to further optimize healing outcomes.