Course Description:

This 10-hour (8 in-person, 2 self-study) advanced wound care course equips nurses and therapists with evidence-based knowledge and skills to manage complex wounds. Participants will understand wound healing, assess wound types, and master essential wound care techniques. The course covers wound assessment and biofilm, including healing phases, influencing factors, and arterial, venous, pressure, and diabetic wound characteristics. Biofilm's impact on healing and wound hygiene strategies are addressed. Hands-on exercises focus on wound assessment, measurement, and classification systems (Wagner, NPUAP). Lower extremity venous insufficiency, wounds, and nutrition's role in healing are explored. Participants learn venous insufficiency pathophysiology, differentiating venous from other LE wounds. Dietary recommendations for wound healing are provided. Hands-on practice covers ABPI measurement, pulse assessment, and capillary refill. Treatment planning includes compression therapy, exercise, patient education, and nutritional guidance. Debridement methods (sharp, enzymatic, mechanical, autolytic), indications, and contraindications are covered, along with legal and ethical considerations. Case studies guide debridement decisions. Enzymatic debridement application is demonstrated. Post-debridement wound healing optimization and consultation needs are addressed. Hands-on labs cover wound hygiene/cleansing and compression/wrapping techniques. Participants practice cleansing and apply compression bandages/garments. A second lab focuses on debridement and wound VAC therapy, with practice on simulated wounds and a competency assessment. The course addresses wound care ROI, cost-effectiveness, and reimbursement. Accurate documentation is emphasized. Case studies guide treatment planning and intervention justification. The course concludes with Q&A, a quiz, key concept review, and evaluations. Taught by core instructors within their field and supported with subject matter experts, this course empowers healthcare professionals to deliver optimal wound care.