The Department of Nursing and Health Care at South East Technological University (SETU) proudly hosted its inaugural wound management masterclass recently, focusing on the prevention and management of pressure ulcers.
Drawing over 130 frontline clinical staff from various grades and healthcare settings across the south east region, the event was held at The Bianconi Nursing Building on the Cork Road Campus in Waterford last week.
The masterclass offered a unique opportunity to discover the latest research and evidence-based practice in wound care and management. It was kindly supported by 16 key wound care supplies and appliance companies, with over 20 industry representatives offering the participants the opportunity to engage with the latest wound care supplies and appliances.
Gap in provision
Recognising a gap in the provision of interdisciplinary wound care events in the region, Tracey Dermody SETU Post Graduate Research Support Officer with the Department of Nursing and Health, and Louise Skerritt, RANP, Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing in Wicklow, organised the event, which covered topics including assessment, management, monitoring, and reporting.
Ms Skerritt, who is currently undertaking her PhD in SETU examining “Chronic Wound Care in Irish Community Settings”, kicked off proceedings by exploring pressure ulcer aetiology within the context of the aSSKINg framework.
The morning sessions featured presentations by senior clinical experts, including Siobhan Corcoran CORU accredited Physiotherapist and assistant lecturer in SETU, Anne Marie Keane CORU accredited Occupational Therapist HSE and Siobhan Cashman Registered Public Health Nurse and Research MSc student at SETU.
These sessions provided practical advice on clinical challenges such as repositioning, seating, and continence promotion. Attendees also had opportunities to engage with the industry exhibition and to network with their regional colleagues.
The afternoon sessions were delivered by external guests from Nutricia and HIQA. Grainne Egan CORU registered Dietician provided the attendees with an update on the role and importance of nutrition in wound healing. Paul Dunbar Senior Researcher with the Health Information and Quality Authority explored the reporting and notification of pressure ulcers from HIQA’s perspective.
Patient's perspective
During the final session, Colm Whooley from Wicklow provided the audience with the patient's perspective on developing and living with the emotional impact of pressure ulceration. Colm emphasised that developing his pressure ulcers impacted him more than when he developed his spinal injury. Colm called on the audience and the wider health care system “to develop protocols, clearer understandings and awareness of the burden of pressure ulcers on the person, organisations and society”.
An interactive Q&A session facilitated by the expert speakers closed the afternoon, with attendees praising the interdisciplinary approach and the diverse range of perspectives presented at the event.
Attendees acknowledged the benefit of having all perspectives from the patient to health care assistants to industry at the event. “I really enjoyed service users talk about pressure ulcers, “one attendee said, “It was interesting to listen to dieticians and air mattress companies speak about the importance of patients' skin. It was a very educational day, and I am delighted to have attended.”