Hard-to-heal wounds – laser treatment

In Skellefteå, medical lasers are used as a complement to traditional wound care for hard-to-heal wounds in frail elderly patients. The method helps speed up healing, reduce pain, and improve daily functioning.

In 2019, Skellefteå became the first municipality in the country to use medical lasers in a scientific study. Today, the treatment is used in collaboration between municipal home care and regional primary care. The method is based on the laser stimulating cell activity, blood circulation, and tissue repair. Hard-to-heal wounds are a complex area of care that requires repeated interventions over time. For the individual, these wounds can cause pain, affect mobility, and reduce quality of life. Additionally, they can increase the risk of infection.

Impact on workload and quality

For both the municipality and the region, the challenges surrounding hard-to-heal wounds result in high resource consumption, where frequent dressing changes, follow-ups, and the need for coordination between departments affect both workload and the quality of care. In other words, there is a need for approaches that improve treatment outcomes and contribute to a more efficient use of resources. The work in Skellefteå is based on collaboration between nursing assistants and nurses in the municipality and region, where the method is integrated into existing care processes. In parallel, structures for knowledge sharing have been developed, including through networks for exchanging experiences.

Effects at both the individual and organizational levels

The use of medical lasers has also led to an increased focus on professional development, with staff involved in the application of the method. This helps strengthen both professional roles and the conditions for a more consistent approach to care.

Experience shows that the method can contribute to faster wound healing, pain relief, and a reduced risk of infections. For the patient, this can mean improved function in daily life. At the same time, the treatment approach can contribute to a reduced need for frequent dressing changes and more effective care interventions, which impacts resource utilization in healthcare. The work in Skellefteå is a good example of how new treatment methods can be used in municipal healthcare and contribute to both improved patient outcomes and enhanced work practices.

Learn more: SE26 project