Wound Education Program: An Interprogram Interprofessional Collaboration to Enhance Skin Wound Ostomy Care

Objectives           

Fraser Health provides health services that cover the largest geographic areas to a population of 1.5 million in British Columbia.  A step-by-step approach was endorsed to realize a sustainable regional program for prevention, and management of all types of wounds. 

Methods

1. Implemented the Braden Scale Pressure Risk Assessment Tool and the Prevention of Skin Breakdown Guidelines in February 2012
2. Delivered a new Pressure Ulcer Prevention Orientation Program for all direct care providers to raise the awareness of pressure ulcer prevention since January 2013

2. Delivering 5 Regional Wound Education Modules that focus on team approach, transitional of care, and client education on Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcer; Wound Bed Preparation; Lower Leg Ulcers; Diabetic Foot Ulcers; Palliative Wounds; and Basic Ostomy Care
3. Ongoing development, endorsement, and education on prevention and management of different types of wounds

Results

With a collaborative approach across all programs (including residential, medical, surgical, and home care) and an interprofessional team approach (including nursing, and allied health), the 5 evidence-based wound education modules have been delivered to all healthcare professionals since Sept 2012.  The evaluations indicated that the wound modules were well received by the learners from acute care, residential, and home care.

Conclusion

Although there is no additional funding to develop and deliver the wound modules, the passionate wound care clinicians and allied health professionals continue to deliver regional education two to three times a month to about twenty clinical staff across all programs from acute, residential, and home care.