When new technology first arrives in a healthcare setting, it’s not uncommon for staff to feel a mix of hesitation and overwhelm. That was certainly the case when Southwest Nursing & Rehab in Fort Worth, Texas, introduced WoundRounds, a digital wound care management system.
“We were a little frustrated at first,” recalls Andrea Broussard, RN, Treatment Nurse. “It felt like it was going to be time-consuming. But once we learned the ropes, it quickly became part of our routine.”
Her colleagues agreed. “It seemed very overwhelming at first,” said Shaina Edwards, RN. “But once we started using it day by day, it wasn’t nearly as daunting as it seemed.”
From Paper Notes to Bedside Accuracy
Before WoundRounds, staff relied on handwritten notes and delayed documentation. Now, assessments and photos are captured at the bedside, creating more accurate, immediate records.
“Being able to show patients their progress photos side by side is huge,” Andrea explained. “Doctors want to see the images more than the measurements, and patients love seeing the proof of healing.”
Shane Porter, LPN, added: “On admission, if a patient comes in with five or six wounds, the first round of documentation can take a while. But after that, the system saves everything, so reassessments are faster and easier.”
Time Savings That Add Up
The shift hasn’t just improved accuracy—it’s freed up valuable staff time. “I used to spend hours after the doctor’s visit entering all the assessments into the computer,” said Shaina. “Now we do everything at the bedside, and reports are generated automatically. It’s a massive time-saver.”
A Tool That Builds Confidence—for Patients and Staff
For patients, especially those who can’t physically see their own wounds, WoundRounds has provided peace of mind. “We had a woman with a severe wound who had never seen it before,” explained Derek Montano, RN, Director of Nursing and Wound Care Certified. “When we showed her the image, she finally understood why she was in pain and why her treatment was so important. It gave her motivation to stick with her care plan.”
For staff, the tool also eased training and team collaboration. New nurses can learn the process with coaching from experienced colleagues, ensuring consistency in wound documentation.
More Than Clinical Benefits: A Marketing Advantage
Beyond clinical improvements, Southwest Nursing & Rehab has found that WoundRounds supports its reputation in the community.
“We’re a wound-focused facility,” Montano shared. “We handle more wounds in a month than many facilities do in a year. With WoundRounds, we can run detailed reports showing average healing times and outcomes. For example, the national average to heal a pressure wound might be 60 days, but we’re doing it in 20. That’s a story we can share with hospitals, surgeons, and referral partners.”
In fact, the ability to showcase photos and healing reports has opened new doors. The facility recently partnered with local hospitals and even began exploring collaborations with a burn clinic, using WoundRounds data to demonstrate their expertise.
A Reluctant Beginning, a Resounding Success
What started with skepticism has now become indispensable. “At first, we thought it was going to be too much,” Andrea admitted. “Now, I don’t think any of us would want to go back.”
Shaina summed it up simply: “Yes, it’s daunting at first. But once you get the hang of it, it makes your job easier. The reports, the photos, the accuracy—it’s all worth it.”
And Montano agrees: “For us, WoundRounds isn’t just a clinical tool. It’s helping us deliver better care, reassure patients, and grow our business. It’s been a game-changer.”
