Planning, Conducting, and Interpreting Prevalence and Incidence for the Wound Practitioner

In Brief PURPOSE: To enhance the learner’s competence with knowledge of planning, conducting, and interpreting prevalence and incidence for the wound practitioner. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. OBJECTIVES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of types of prevalence and incidence rates and the benefits of incorporating a prevalence and incidence team in a healthcare facility. 2. Apply information of how to start a prevalence and incidence team and scenarios of how to handle data collection situations as they arise. Prevalence is a 1-time “snapshot” of cases present on a specific date, and incidence measures the new cases of a disease or condition in a given period. This article discusses prevalence and incidence and gives practical tips for wound care practitioners who plan and conduct prevalence/incidence audits. This continuing education activity discusses how to differentiate between the terms prevalence and incidence and helps practitioners gain knowledge on planning and conducting prevalence/incidence audits.