Welcome and Introductions

Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin and Soft Tissues, Wound Healing

• Review the anatomy, structure, and function of the skin and underlying tissues
• Explain the function of the skin and soft tissues, and the changes normal with aging

Peripheral Arterial Disease and Arterial Wounds

• Review the pathophysiology, signs, and symptoms of peripheral arterial disease and conditions associated with the disease
• Review the diagnosis of arterial disease, criteria for referral to vascular surgery, and interventions (endovascular and surgical)

Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Venous Ulcers

• Describe specific interventions for chronic venous insufficiency and ulcerations
• Implement initial evaluation and patient-centered management strategies for patients with chronic venous insufficiency

Lymphedema

• Associate the anatomy of the vascular system to the pathophysiology of lymphedema
• Identify long-term management options for patients with lymphedema

Assessing the Evidence

• Assess research and evidence related to wound management
• Employ techniques from controlled trials, case studies, and cohort studies to translate current best evidence into clinical practice

Lunch

Pressure Injuries

• Review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and stages of pressure ulcers
• Outline specific interventions for pressure ulcer prevention and management of pressure, shear, friction, and moisture

Burns

• Review burn types based on the mechanism of injury
• Determine the best course of treatment for optimal outcomes in patients with burns

Diabetes and Diabetic Foot Ulcers

• Recognize underlying mechanisms of the effects of diabetes on wound healing and comprehensive assessment and physical examination

Atypical Wounds

• Recognize the importance of an accurate diagnosis of atypical wounds
• Identify the clinical presentation of many atypical wounds and some associated treatment interventions

Assessment and Documentation

• Define the fundamental elements of a holistic evaluation of the patient with an open wound
• List the key components of a thorough wound assessment and recommendations for accurate documentation

Nutrition

• Discuss nutritional factors and the underlying deficiencies that impact wound healing
• Employ strategies to improve a patient’s wound healing with protein supplements, vitamins, minerals, and alternate feeding methods

Assessment and Management of Bioburden

• Recognize common skin and soft tissue infections
• Identify clinical and laboratory techniques for evaluating wounds for infection

Hyperbaric Oxygen

• Evaluate the use of HBOT therapy in chronic wound care
• Describe the primary goals, therapeutic uses, and contraindications of HBOT

Psychosocial

• Summarize psychological considerations on wound healing including pain, immobility, cognition, learning style, palliative care, family support system, and adherence
• Relate the psychosocial and cognitive aspects to patient outcomes in wound repair

Lunch

Debridement

• Define the spectrum of debridement (i.e., surgical/sharp, chemical, mechanical, biological, autolysis) modalities and their appropriate selection based on wound characteristics and patient conditions
• Determine the appropriate time course for debridement

Topical Management

• Describe various topical therapeutic interventions, including cleansing solutions and standard and advanced dressings
• Compare and contrast the various categories of wound care dressings and the various functions of each

Biophysical Agents

• Describe complementary/adjunctive electrotherapeutic interventions that facilitate wound healing
• Review the use of electrical stimulation, high- and low-frequency ultrasound, negative pressure therapy, light therapy, and pulsed lavage with suction in treatment of open wounds

Test-Taking Strategies

Engage in a highly interactive review of the course content, using multiple-choice questions and photographs of different types of wounds for process questions and answers

Practice Exams and Wrap-Up