Survey reveals clinicians want increased wound care education

An online survey, which collected data  from 24 different countries, shows that there is a need for extended research and education in wound care management. [1]

The eDelphi technique, which is an online survey that uses interactive decision-making tools to collect data, was used to assess clinicians’ priorities involving wound care management.  Three surveys were distributed asking for clinicians’ views on wound care as well as ranking 35 research and 30 educational priority statements on a Likert scale ( a psychometric scale commonly involved in research that involves questionnaires).The survey received 350 replies from nurses, podiatrists, academics, medical doctors, surgeons and other medical professionals.

The study concluded that more education on wound care should be made available to undergraduate and postgraduate medical and nursing programmes. Top priority subjects for research and education were pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, dressings and wounds infections, especially for elderly patients with long-term conditions.  The study hopes to encourage medical facilities to increase wound care education and wound care management. 

‘Research is essential to building evidence-based practice and fundamental to development quality in standards of practice; education is central to achieving competence to deliver effective care,’ the study states. ‘The determination of research and education priorities is therefore an absolute requirement in developing services.’

For more information on educational opportunities and wound care managemnent, visit woundrounds.com and learn how telemedicine technology can help. 

[1] Clinicians want increased wound care education worldwide. woundinternational.com. Web. 06 September 2012.