Lesson 1When and how to use diagnostic tests: wound cultures, imaging for osteomyelitis (X-ray, MRI, bone scan)Explains when diagnostic tests provide value in wound care. Covers proper culture methods, imaging options for suspected osteomyelitis, and collaboration with radiology and infectious disease specialists for focused treatment.
Indications for quantitative wound culturesSwab versus tissue and bone biopsy methodsPlain radiographs for chronic bone changesMRI for early osteomyelitis detectionRole of nuclear medicine bone scansInterpreting results with clinical findingsLesson 2Neuropathy evaluation: monofilament testing, vibration testing, and sensory mappingConcentrates on assessing peripheral neuropathy in wound patients. Describes monofilament methods, vibration and proprioception tests, sensory mapping, and recording to assess risk of ulceration and injury.
History clues for neuropathy and riskMonofilament selection and test techniqueVibration testing with tuning fork or deviceProprioception and position sense checksSensory mapping and protective loss zonesDocumenting neuropathy severity and impactLesson 3Exudate assessment and odour evaluation; infection signs and biofilm conceptsOutlines exudate volume, colour, and consistency, along with odour assessment and timing. Examines local and systemic infection indicators, critical colonisation, and biofilm dynamics to inform culture choices and antimicrobial approaches.
Classifying exudate type, colour, and amountAssessing odour after cleansing and debridementLocal and systemic signs of wound infectionCritical colonisation versus contaminationBiofilm formation, impact, and disruptionWhen to obtain wound cultures safelyLesson 4Tissue types and wound bed descriptors: granulation, slough, necrosis, epithelializationDefines main tissue types in the wound bed and their clinical significance. Includes granulation, slough, eschar, epithelialization, and exposed structures, stressing precise percentage estimates and treatment implications.
Healthy versus hypergranulation tissueCharacteristics of slough and fibrinDry versus moist necrosis and escharEpithelial edge and island formationExposed bone, tendon, and hardwareEstimating tissue type percentagesLesson 5Pain assessment specific to wounds and procedures; use of pain scales and timing documentationDeals with thorough pain assessment for wounds and procedures. Reviews nociceptive and neuropathic aspects, pain scales, timing during dressing changes, and documentation to direct analgesia and non-drug care.
Types of wound-related pain descriptorsSelecting age-appropriate pain scalesBaseline, procedural, and breakthrough painTiming assessment with dressing changesNonpharmacologic pain management optionsDocumenting response to interventionsLesson 6Systematic wound assessment: size, depth, tunneling, undermining, and staging/classificationOffers a step-by-step method for wound assessment, covering location, size, depth, and tissue involvement. Reviews tunneling, undermining, sinus tracts, and classification systems for reliable, repeatable measurements.
Anatomic location and wound etiology cluesLinear, clock-face, and digital measurementsMeasuring depth and wound volumeIdentifying and measuring underminingIdentifying and measuring tunneling tractsSelecting appropriate classification systemsLesson 7Pressure injury staging and skin failure distinctionsExamines NPIAP pressure injury stages, deep tissue injury, and unstageable wounds. Clarifies skin failure, terminal ulcers, and device-related injuries to enhance accurate classification and robust documentation.
NPIAP staging I–IV and unstageable criteriaDeep tissue pressure injury recognitionMedical device–related pressure injury featuresMoisture-associated skin damage versus pressureSkin failure and Kennedy terminal ulcerDocumentation to support accurate stagingLesson 8Risk factor review during assessment: comorbidities, medications, smoking, mobility, continence, cognitive statusDirects a systematic review of systemic and local risk factors influencing wounds. Addresses comorbidities, medications, lifestyle, mobility, continence, and cognition to guide prognosis and personalised care planning.
Key comorbidities impacting healingMedication review and anticoagulantsSmoking, alcohol, and substance useMobility, offloading, and support surfacesContinence, moisture, and skin integrityCognition, adherence, and caregiver supportLesson 9Vascular assessment: arterial and venous exam, ankle-brachial index (ABI), toe pressures, transcutaneous oxygen (TcPO2)Describes bedside vascular assessment for wound healing potential. Includes pulses, temperature, oedema, ABI, toe pressures, and TcPO2, with contraindications, interpretation, and referral criteria for vascular studies.
Inspection for colour, hair loss, and oedemaPalpation of pedal and popliteal pulsesAnkle-brachial index technique and limitsToe pressures and toe-brachial index useTranscutaneous oxygen measurement basicsWhen to refer for vascular consultationLesson 10Legal and ethical documentation considerations and informed consent for procedures (debridement, advanced therapies)Outlines legal and ethical principles for wound documentation and consent. Covers capacity evaluation, informed consent for debridement and advanced therapies, refusal recording, and methods to minimise medicolegal risks.
Elements of legally sound documentationCapacity, surrogates, and shared decisionsInformed consent for debridement optionsConsent for advanced and device therapiesDocumenting refusal and risk discussionsManaging conflicts and protecting patientsLesson 11Nutrition screening for wound healing: malnutrition indicators, key labs (albumin, prealbumin, CRP) and hydration statusExamines nutrition screening tools, malnutrition signs, and key labs. Interprets albumin, prealbumin, and CRP trends, plus hydration evaluation, to arrange prompt referrals and maximise healing potential.
Nutrition screening tools and red flagsClinical signs of protein–calorie malnutritionInterpreting albumin and prealbumin trendsRole of CRP and inflammation in labsAssessing hydration and fluid balanceWhen to refer to dietitian servicesLesson 12Standardised documentation and wound photography: measurement techniques and electronic medical record integrationCovers standardised documentation elements, validated tools, and photography guidelines. Reviews measurement methods, image labelling, consent, and electronic record integration for continuity and legal protection.
Required elements of a wound noteUsing validated assessment tools and scalesBest practices for wound photographyLighting, positioning, and scale placementLabelling, consent, and privacy safeguardsEMR templates and smart phrases use
