Principles of Wound Care

This course is available at Level 6 and Level 7, and as a credit and a non-credit bearing module.

Credits: 20 credits at Level 6 and 7.

Why study this subject?

This course is designed for registered practitioners working in any clinical environment with an interest in wound management, particularly if you're already responsible for caring for people with a variety of acute and chronic wounds.

Through gaining a deeper understanding of the physiology of wounds, the impacts on wound healing and the importance of holistic assessment and treatment, you’ll develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to deliver personalised, evidence based wound care.  

What will I study?

Led by our supportive and experienced staff, this module will explore physiological aspects related to tissue breakdown and wound healing, including pressure ulcers, leg ulcers and factors influencing this process.

Additional areas covered include, wound bed preparation, wound cleansing, debridement, microbiology and infection, pain, nutrition, and dressings.

The course will cover:

• anatomy and physiology of the skin
• the physiology of tissue break down, wound healing and influencing factors (co-morbidities) 
• microbiology including difference between planktonic and biofilm phenotypes
• diagnosis of wound infection and management options
• wound cleansing
• wound bed preparation
• the role of debridement and debridement options
• wound assessment tools and criteria
• the management of different wound types including but not exclusive: acute/chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers, leg ulcer management, diabetic foot ulcers, lymphedema, stoma care and fungating wounds
• wound pain and its management
• nutrition
• wound therapeutics (dressings and other modern modalities
• professional, legal and ethical issues relating to wound care.

On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:

• analyse the physiological processes contributing to tissue breakdown and wound healing that underpin wound management interventions
• analyse critically the methods by which a variety of factors influence wound healing processes
• identify and critically discuss the issues surrounding effective planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing interventions for a variety of complex wounds
• critically discuss wound management interventions in the light of current research.

How will I be taught and assessed?

You'll be required to attend the University for seven days during the course term. Additionally, you're required to undertake six clinical learning hours per week which will normally take place within your own clinical environment, providing that the required learning outcomes can be achieved.

Successful completion of the course is dependent on you passing a written assignment on a relevant topic at level 6 and a written assignment, plus OSCE & VIVA at level 7.

This module is also available as a non-credit bearing option. Students choosing this option will be awarded a certificate of Continuing Professional Development hours but will not be required to undertake the final assessment.

At BNU, we recognise roles in this field are hands-on – that’s why you’ll take part in simulated learning experiences using our specialised facilities dedicated to nursing at our Uxbridge campus.