Chronic wounds affect almost half a million Australians each year: Caregivers face complex care decisions at home
· Medical Xpressedited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Chronic wounds affect about 450,000 Australians every year, requiring ongoing at-home monitoring, care and treatment to prevent infection.
Health care is increasingly moving beyond hospitals and into people's homes, and family caregivers have become essential partners after discharge—however, many may feel unprepared for the complex day-to-day decisions they'll face.
New research by Murdoch University Ph.D. candidate Chunhong Yu published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies has found that caregivers are struggling to make decisions in uncertain situations, particularly when access to professional support is limited.
"Family caregivers need to judge whether a wound is getting better or worse, whether the current care is working, or when it is time to seek professional help," Yu said. "Family caregivers take on a great deal of responsibility, often with limited preparation or training for the complex decisions they have to make."
Among the most common types of chronic wounds are diabetic foot ulcers and pressure injuries, also commonly known as bedsores—both of which can carry a risk of serious complications, including infection.
Research has indicated that 50% to 60% of diabetic foot ulcers become infected, and if infection progresses, it can spread to deeper tissues and bone and, in severe cases, lead to amputation or death.
Yu said these risks put immense pressure on family caregivers. "Caregivers often have to balance the patient's condition, advice from different health care professionals, family responsibilities, financial pressures and their own emotions," she said. "They are constantly asking themselves, 'am I doing the right thing?'"
Her review found that digital tools were increasingly being used to support wound management, patient education and remote consultation at home. However, of the 35 studies included in the review, only two specifically addressed shared decision-making in home-based wound care.
Yu said this research laid the foundation for her Ph.D., in which she, alongside supervisors Dr. Melanie Murray, Professor Vicki Cope and Dr. Ruth Wei, is developing a practical, evidence-based decision-making support tool.
"This review highlighted an important gap in decision support for home-based wound care. My Ph.D. has since explored how family caregivers make these everyday care decisions and what kind of support they need," she said.
"Rather than simply providing more information, my goal is to develop a support tool that helps families make informed decisions with greater confidence while working in partnership with health care professionals."
Yu began her nursing career in a burns unit before moving into chronic wound management, an experience that showed her the importance of continuity between professional health care and care provided at home.
"Today, as the population continues to age and more health care is delivered in the community, families are taking on increasingly important roles caring for people with chronic wounds," she said. "Supporting family caregivers has never been more important."
More information
Chunhong Yu et al, Digital platforms and shared decision-making tools for home wound care: An integrative review, International Journal of Nursing Studies (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2026.105609
Key medical concepts
Foot Ulcer, DiabeticInfectionsPressure Sores
Clinical categories
Allied healthCommon illnesses & PreventionHealthy aging Provided by Murdoch University Who's behind this story?
Lisa Lock
BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021. Full profile →
Andrew Zinin
Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success. Full profile →
Citation: Chronic wounds affect almost half a million Australians each year: Caregivers face complex care decisions at home (2026, August 19) retrieved 19 August 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-08-chronic-wounds-affect-million-australians.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.