The major aim of the programme at Oxford is directed towards clinical trials on the therapeutic efficacy of wound healing agents and regimens on chronic wounds, particularly venous leg ulcers. Some of the first trials on hydrocolloid and hydrogel dressings such as DuoDerm (Granuflex), Intrasite (previously known as Scherisorb) and calcium/sodium alginate dressings (Kaltostat) as well as comparative prospective bandaging trials (short stretch versus four layer) were performed at the Oxford Wound Healing Unit.

Wound healing clinical research continues today looking at new agents such as growth factors, tissue engineered products for wound closure and the effect of warming on healing. The success of the programme is made possible by the enthusiasm and hard work of experienced wound healing research nurses involved in the clinical trials. This has allowed not only the assessment of treatment regimens in a hospital outpatient clinical environment, but also in the community where the majority of chronic wounds are managed. Terence Ryan, Emeritus Professor in Dermatology, is the unit's clinical advisor and plays a major part in the programme.