The Leeds Wound Infection Framework: Development and implementation of a new pathway to improve care

Standardised practice is vital to reduce variations in care, improve service delivery and encourage staff confidence (Fletcher et al, 2018). In infection management, this is particularly relevant, as the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) needs to be met by all clinicians with a unified approach informed by the principles of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). The Leeds Wound Infection Framework was developed by Leeds Community Healthcare Trust to standardise practice relating to the early recognition and management of wound infection within the Trust. This article highlights the issues that led to the development of the framework, how it was implemented in practice and the benefits seen by the Trust.