Implementing a clinical rotation for R1 Internal Medicine residents with the CWOCN

Implementing a Clinical Experience for Internal Medicine Residents with the CWOCN 

 Purpose: To determine whether a rotation with the CWOCN clinician can have a positive effect on the Internal Medicine Resident’s ability to assess ulcers and wounds and provide appropriate topical therapy.

Background: Medical students graduate with a limited knowledge of wound care. As residents, they are required to assess and document wounds/ulcers and order the appropriate topical treatment. Residents learn wound care in a random manner through experience and often from nurses.

Methodology: The Internal Medicine Resident spends a morning with the CWOCN. It is an opportunity for him/her to see pressure ulcers and review staging. Depending on the referrals of the day, the resident may observe patients with abdominal wounds, vascular ulcers, or diabetic ulcers. This is an opportunity to discuss appropriate dressings for different types of wounds.

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Each resident receives a pocketsize laminated guide on appropriate dressings for dry shallow and deep wounds as well as exudating shallow and deep wounds. This guide is handy reference for the future.

Outcomes:  From early indications, the residents have benefited from this experience. Recently, the CWOCN met one of the residents who told her, “I still carry the guide you gave me”.  A formal survey of the project is now in development and will be carried out over the next several months.