Aim

To determine the mean healing time of chronic wounds as well as their prevalence and incidence.

Method

A transversal, retrospective study in the field of primary care in Barcelona city, with a population of 15,589 inhabitants over 15 years of age. The study period was from 1st January to 31st December 2013. Information on the etiology of chronic wounds and the time needed for healing was collected.

Results

416 records of injuries were located, of which 10.33% were chronic wounds. The median duration was 152 days and the mean average was 311 days, with pressure ulcers taking longest to heal. A statistically significant difference (p <0.05) was observed between the mean duration of wounds treated at the health centre and those treated at home. The prevalence was 0.28% and the incidence 0.24%, the wounds with the highest prevalence and incidence were venous ulcers.

Conclusions

Healing time depends on the type of wound and the point of care. The highest prevalence and incidence occurs in lower-extremity (leg) ulcers.

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