Principles of Leg Ulcer Management

Credits: 20 credits at Level 6 and 7.

Why study this subject?

This course is designed for healthcare professionals involved in the assessment and treatment of patients with leg ulcers to develop advanced knowledge to support the delivery of evidence-based treatment. The aim of the module is for the practitioner to critically analyse and evaluate the strategies that prevent tissue breakdown or promote healing and restoration of function in the lower limb.

What will I study?

Led by our supportive and experienced staff, this module help you to gain an in-depth understanding of the physical, psychological and social factors that impact patients and the development of holistic assessment skills.

It will enable you to plan and implement safe and effective prevention and treatment plans for leg ulcers of varying aetiology. You will critically analyse and evaluate the strategies that prevent tissue breakdown and promote healing and restoration of function in the lower limb, including the factors that influence patient choice and quality of life.

The module at Level 6 will cover topics such as:

• relevant anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology related to tissue breakdown and wound healing of the lower limb. Factors that may influence these processes
• aetiology of leg ulcers, assessment methods and documentation
• systemic diseases affecting or contributing to leg ulceration. e.g. Diabetes
• decision making in relation to the management of leg ulcers
• wound cleansing
• wound bed preparation (the role of debridement and debridement options)
• skin care
• diagnosis of wound Infection in leg ulcers and management options
• pain management associated with leg ulcers
• application of a variety of bandaging systems and hosiery to promote healing and prevent recurrence of leg ulcers
• quality of life issues .e.g. expectations for healing/ conservative management
• wound therapeutics (dressings and skin grafting)

At level 7 you will cover the following topics. Some topics will be similar to level 6, but you will study this at a more advanced level.

• relevant anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the lower limb
• physiological, psychological and sociological factors that may influence tissue breakdown and wound healing
• systemic diseases affecting or contributing to leg ulceration. e.g. Diabetes
• holistic leg ulcer assessment, identification of leg ulcer aetiology
• documentation and interprofessional working
• collaborative, patient-centred decision making, promotion of self-care
• skin care
• wound cleansing
• wound bed preparation
• dressing choice
• application of a variety of compression systems to promote healing and prevent recurrence
• diagnosis of wound infection in leg ulcers and management options
• pain management associated with leg ulcers
• quality of life and patient choice; expectations for healing
• professional issues relating to leg ulcer management

On successful completion of Level 6 module, you will be able to:

• critically analyse the physiological processes contributing to tissue breakdown and wound healing which underpin leg ulcer management.
• select appropriate techniques in order to assess the lower limb and relate theoretical principles to the effective identification of leg ulcers of differing aetiologies.
• critically evaluate the role of the multidisciplinary team in the promotion of clinically effective leg ulcer management
• demonstrate critical application of the theoretical principles of compression therapy to the performance of bandaging techniques.

Our Level 7 module will equip you with more advanced skills and knowledge. Once you have completed this module, you will be able to:

• demonstrate a systematic understanding of the physiological, psychological and sociological factors which contribute to tissue breakdown and wound healing of the lower limb in order to holistically assess the needs of patients with leg ulcers.
• critically appraise the evidence that underpins interventions for the management of patients with leg ulcers, using it to develop collaborative, evidence-based treatment plans.
• apply the theoretical principles of compression therapy to the performance of bandaging techniques.
• critically analyse and evaluate their role and that of the wider interdisciplinary team, in the prevention and management of leg ulceration.

When will this course run?

This course will run on Thursdays from 10am - 5pm.

How will I be taught and assessed?

BNU is a leading provider in continuing professional development (CPD) training. Many of our lecturers maintain clinical currency by working in practice to ensure you receive the most up-to-date insights and training.

On this module, you will attend a mix of lecturers and seminars as well as practical sessions to enhance your skills and knowledge in this field. You will be assessed by a practical skills exam and a written assignment.