Streamlining Care Models Key to Managing Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Although effective antimicrobials are readily available for treating skin and soft tissue infections, the most pressing challenge lies in optimizing care delivery systems. Many patients face barriers such as unstable housing, substance use, or lack of transportation, which hinder proper wound care and adherence to therapy. These social and logistical challenges contribute more to treatment failure than microbial resistance or drug limitations.

Improving the coordination between inpatient and outpatient services could significantly reduce hospital stays and enhance continuity of care. Integrating wound care specialists, social workers, and outpatient clinics into a unified model allows for smoother transitions and better long-term outcomes. Such collaboration not only improves healing but also reduces the burden on emergency and inpatient resources.

While rapid diagnostics and new tools may offer incremental benefits, they are unlikely to solve the systemic challenges underlying poor outcomes. The focus must shift toward efficient algorithms and patient-centered models that address real-world complexities. This evolution represents the next frontier in infection management—streamlining the process rather than simply expanding the pharmacologic arsenal.