Innovation Theater Breakfast: The Science of Slough (non-accredited)

Despite being a common and clinically challenging feature of acute and chronic wounds, slough remains an understudied component of wound pathology. Its presence obscures wound assessment, perpetuates inflammation and microbial burden, and delays granulation and epithelialization- making effective slough management central to wound bed preparation and healing. Historically, research has focused more heavily on infection, biofilm, and necrosis, leaving critical gaps in our understanding of slough’s composition, behavior, and clinical significance. This knowledge gap is no longer acceptable. Advancing outcomes demand sharper science, clearer frameworks for assessment, and technologies purpose-built to actively address slough as a distinct and meaningful barrier to healing.
During this Innovation Theater, an interactive panel featuring Joyce Black, PhD, RN, FAAN; Lindsay Kalan, PhD; and Kristina Fawcett, DNP, NP-C, CWS will challenge the status quo by unpacking key insights from the IWII 2023 What is Slough? document, exploring slough’s heterogeneity and its emerging role as a marker of stalled healing, and translating evolving science into bedside decision-making. The discussion will examine practical solution pathways, including research-driven technologies within Urgo Medical’s portfolio, designed to actively target slough and advance wound bed preparation. Together, this session aims to reposition slough- not as a passive bystander- but as a critical, actionable target in modern wound care, demanding smarter science, advance tools, and faster clinical action.
Sponsored by Urgo Medical North America