81482 - Wound Care

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the module, the student possesses the knowledge required for the evaluation and classification of complex lesions secondary to pathological processes or organic decline, as well as approaches for local and systemic treatment.

Course contents

Fundamentals of Wound Care

• History of Wound Care: A journey through the history of wound care, from antiquity to the present day, exploring the techniques and innovations that have transformed the treatment of skin lesions.
• Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin: Introduction to the fundamentals of skin anatomy and physiology, essential for understanding the wound healing process.
• Tissue Repair Process: Detailed description of the tissue repair process, including factors that positively and negatively influence it.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors

• Epidemiology of Pressure Injuries (PIs): Statistical analysis of PIs, with particular attention to epidemiological data and the factors contributing to their occurrence.
• Risk Factors for PI Development: Identification and analysis of the main risk factors associated with the development of PIs, including physiological, environmental, and behavioral aspects.

Risk Assessment and Prevention

• Risk Assessment Scales: Examination of the main risk assessment scales for PIs, such as the Braden and Norton scales, and their clinical application.
• Prevention Guidelines: In-depth study of international and national guidelines for the prevention of pressure injuries, with particular reference to the Emilia Romagna Region Guide for the Appropriate Choice of Dressing Devices in the Management of Skin Lesions.

Classification and Management of Lesions

• Classification and Staging of Lesions: Classification and staging of skin lesions according to international criteria, for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
• WBP and T.I.M.E: Study of Wound Bed Preparation (WBP) and the T.I.M.E framework (Tissue non-viable, Infection/inflammation, Moisture balance, Edge of the wound) for effective wound management.
• Infected Ulcers: Management of infected ulcers, with particular attention to strategies for infection prevention and treatment.
• Vascular Ulcers: In-depth study of vascular ulcers, analyzing causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Diabetic Foot: Treatment and prevention of diabetic foot lesions, one of the most common and severe complications of diabetes.
• Device-Related Ulcers: Management of ulcers caused by medical devices, with strategies for prevention and treatment.
• Traumatic Wounds: Approach to the management of traumatic wounds, with particular attention to advanced dressing techniques.
• Skin Tears and Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: Management of skin tears and incontinence-associated dermatitis, with specific techniques and products for treatment.
• Difficult Surgical Wounds: Management of difficult surgical wounds using advanced negative pressure dressings.

Clinical and Regulatory Aspects

• Regulatory Framework: Examination of regulations regarding nursing responsibility in the management of skin lesions and the use of Nursing Sensitive Outcome indicators to assess the effectiveness of nursing interventions.
• Nursing Consultancy: Consultancy services for the management of pressure and vascular injuries, based on the latest regulations and guidelines.

Humanization of Care

• Importance of Therapeutic Education: Importance of therapeutic education for the patient and/or caregiver for the prevention of skin lesions and the humanization of care, recognizing that behind the skin lesion is the person.
• Management of Painful Skin Lesions: Techniques and approaches for managing painful skin lesions, with a focus on patient comfort.
• Management of Non-Healing Skin Lesions: Approaches for managing non-healing skin lesions, integrating the use of advanced technologies and psychological support for the patient.

Teaching methods

Lectures will alternate with group work and classroom discussions of clinical cases to promote integrated and collaborative learning.

Assessment methods

The assessment is conducted through a multiple-choice test.

The multiple-choice quiz consists of 31 questions, scored +1 if correct, 0 if incorrect and/or absent. The time available to the student for the written test is 35 minutes.

During the test, the use of support materials such as textbooks, notes, and electronic/technological aids is not permitted.

The maximum achievable score by providing all correct answers is 30 cum laude. The test is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

Teaching tools

To support teaching, the following will be used: PC with projector, training videos and images. Additional teaching materials will be uploaded to the University's platform.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Vitali