A107 A Guide to Complex Wound Care
Course summary
This course is designed to provide healthcare professionals with an in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of complicated wounds. Focused on practical, evidence-based strategies, the course will equip participants with the skills to confidently address complex wound presentations, including chronic non-healing wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, and wound dehiscence. Through a combination of theoretical content and interactive case studies, attendees will develop the expertise to improve patient outcomes in both hospital and community care settings.
Who should attend?
This course is intended for healthcare practitioners who encounter complex wounds in their practice and are looking to enhance their knowledge and skills, such as:
- Nurse Practitioners
- Ward-based Nurses
- Practice Nurses
- Community Nurses
- Allied Health Professionals
Aims / objectives
- By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the complex pathophysiology of various wound types, allowing for more informed clinical decision-making.
- Perform thorough wound assessments and develop evidence-based management plans tailored to specific wound conditions.
- Apply advanced wound care techniques, including negative wound pressure therapy, to improve healing outcomes.
Course programme
- Pathophysiology of Complicated Wounds:
Participants will explore the causes, development, and factors contributing to various types of complex wounds. Topics include:- Chronic Non-healing Wounds: Examine the underlying conditions that prevent wounds from healing, such as poor circulation, infection, and underlying diseases.
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Delve into the mechanisms of diabetic foot ulcers, focusing on neuropathy, ischemia, and infection, as well as preventive and management strategies to avoid further complications.
- Wound Dehiscence: Understand the causes and risks associated with wound dehiscence, a common post-surgical complication, and how to manage it effectively to prevent further breakdown.
- Comprehensive Wound Assessment:
Accurate assessment is critical for developing an effective treatment plan. This module covers:- Methods for evaluating wound size, depth, tissue type, exudate, and the presence of infection.
- Risk factor identification, including patient comorbidities like diabetes, poor nutrition, and mobility issues.
- How to assess for signs of wound deterioration or healing progress, and when to escalate care.
- Evidence-based Management Approaches:
Using the latest research, this section provides practical approaches to managing complex wounds:- Wound Cleansing: Guidelines on how to cleanse wounds appropriately, choosing the right solutions to promote healing and minimize infection.
- Dressing Selection: Understanding the different types of dressings available and selecting the appropriate one based on wound characteristics such as moisture level, tissue type, and infection risk.
- Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT): Explore the use of NPWT, an advanced therapy for managing large or complex wounds, including how to apply it safely and effectively in both hospital and home care settings.
- Practice Scenarios and Case Studies:
Through hands-on exercises and case studies, participants will apply their knowledge to real-life clinical situations. This section will:- Present a series of wound care challenges, from initial assessment to long-term management.
- Allow participants to work through patient cases, considering both the wound itself and the holistic care of the patient, including pain management, infection control, and the psychosocial impact of chronic wounds.
Led by
TBA