The original 5-level article was published in WoundsUK, you can find it here.
The five levels model provide you with a holistic checklist and allow you to map what is driving the events in any given wound.
Even though it is tempting to immediately jump in, that would lead to an almost incomprehensible list of factors to check. Perhaps it is easier to do it in an iterative way, where you have a very simple first pass and then, if you do not find a proper explanation for what is happening in the wound, you do further iterative passes. Depending on the findings of the previous pass(es), you zoom in and cast a finer net.
The basic idea behind a five-level wound analysis contains three ideas:
- You divide your problem into two new problems and keep doing that.
- Use the 5 levels as a checklist to see if you have missed something.
- If you do not find a solution, redo 1 and 2 asking more questions and a larger checklist.
As any professional will know; wound healing is a complex field requiring knowledge, skills and tools on a variety of issues at all levels. The amount of knowledge, skills and tools needed increases at each round of questioning or pass. Applying the 5-level system requires experience and a profound knowledge of tissue repair and regeneration. It requires understanding and ability to execute diagnostic tests. Finally, it requires knowledge of many comorbidities, lab values and medication.
The five levels are a result of 4 questions mapping your problem.
- Will this wound heal normal or not?
- If not will it heal by itself or will it not heal?
- If it will heal by itself, does it require advanced wound care or can it do without?
- If it will not heal by itself, is it because of organ system failure (usually vascular problems or repetitive damage) or because of cellular, molecular or genetic disorders?
By definition, any complex wound will have phenomena acting simultaneously on all levels. Having a full picture will provide a better understanding of the problems and possible remedies.
First pass, analysis
- First question: will this wound heal normally, yes or no?
- If yes, you have a level 0 wound. Take good care of the wound. It can be as simple as putting a bandage on; any bandage.
- Chances it is a no, is when the wound exists for a longer period, your patient is over 65 years of age and/or has diabetic, dyslipidaemic, social, mobility, cardiovascular, neurological, immunologic or renal issues.
- If no, the wound will heal not normally, leading to the
- Second question: will this wound heal by itself or will this wound not heal by itself?
- If yes, it is a level 1 or 2 wound. Consider minimal intervention, intervention means disruption of the normal life which can cause issues by itself.
- A level 1 wound does not need special care.
- Al level 2 wound requires wound care.
- If no, the wound will not heal by itself, it is a level 3 or 4 wound, leading to.the
- Third question: what is preventing the wound from healing?
- Chances it is a wound resulting from arterial problems, venous problems or tissue damage due to repetitive forces. Figure out how grave the problem is and how to handle it.
- Level 3 wounds require specialist care to solve the cause.
- Level 4 wounds require specialist care. Currently, most level 4 diagnostic tools and interventions are in a research stage.
- If needed appropriate, consider referring to a specialist able to solve or reduce the problem. It can be a specialised nurse, dermatologist, vascular surgeon, internal doctor or a podiatrist. Optimally all of them combined in a specialised wound care construction (not necessarily at one location).
First pass, checklist.
- Check all 5 levels for issues which cause the wound or which may be not a direct cause for the wound but influence its trajectory. They are listed in the article.
First pass; act.
Select and apply your interventions. Less is more.
First pass; review.
- If the wound improves, redo the first pass for any changes or signals the wound might not improve on the next visit.
- If the wound does not improve it is time for the second pass.
- The goal of the second pass is to redo the first pass:
- double check your assumptions.
- have a closer look at the factors influencing the wound trajectory.
Having a closer look at the factors influencing the wound is important because, for instance, an infection can have a dramatic effect on the wound healing. But there are many more factors worth investigating. Causal and correlating factors have to be considered simultaneously. Most correlating factors are found on level 1. On the other levels, both causing and correlating factors can be found.
Second pass; analysis.
- Is the cause well defined?
- If yes, focus in the second pass on factors related to the cause. You can use the concise checklist for generating ideas.
- Check level 1 for any causal or correlating factors which may point to problems on level 2, 3 and 4.
- Consider other or more precise tests.
- Identify possible tests and issues
- Check level 2 for any causal or correlating factors which may point to problems on level 3 and 4.
- Consider other or more precise tests.
- Identify possible tests and issues, debride the wound thoroughly.
- Check level 3 for any causal or correlating factors which may point to problems on level 3 and 4.
- Consider other or more precise tests.
- Identify possible tests and issues
- Check level 4 for any causal or correlating factors which may point to problems on level 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- Consider other or more precise tests. This includes a closer look at lab values.
- Identify possible tests and issues.
- Consider all issues and tests, look for connections which help explain what is going on.
- Decide which test may improve your understanding or underpin possible interventions
- Decide which intervention(s) will have the most impact on the wound trajectory.
Second pass; act.
- Select and apply your tests and interventions, consider referring the patient.
Second pass, review
- See if the wound has improved as a result of your interventions
- If the wound improves, redo the first pass for any changes or signals the wound might not improve on the next visit.
- If the wound does not improve, do a third pass by redoing the second pass.
Third pass
- Is the cause well defined?
- If yes, focus in the third pass on factors related to the cause.
- But also consider marginal interventions, not aimed at resolving the cause but at improving the body’s ability to maintain, repair or regenerate tissue.
- Check for patterns in issues, factors can be related or even appear in an interrelated fashion.
- Try to learn from the previous pass(es).
- Try to improve your knowledge, skills and tools by seeking options for discussion and learning.
Conclusion
It will be clear that even answering question one seems simple enough, it is not, this judgement requires quite some experience. But progress in the wound after one or two weeks will tell you if the judgement was justified. After running the analysis you will have a better idea of what is happening in your patient and the wound. This will help you in finding better ways to intervene. You will also learn what the limitations are in terms of available knowledge, experience and tools. Some are unavailable to you, others do not exist.
Even though this simple way is focussing on existing wounds, the insights resulting from it can also be used to predict and prevent wounds. Especially because harm may well exist prior to the formation of a wound or lesion, it is detectable and treatable.
Harm Smit
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.