The burden of dehisced surgical wounds in the community
Non-healing wounds and their associated costs present a significant challenge to wound care services. Surgical wound dehiscence (SWD) is often overlooked, leading to a lack of true understanding regarding the additional burden this represents.
Learning Objectives
- Appreciate the burden of SWD in the community which is increasing as a result of complex surgical procedures, early discharge post-surgery, a lack of follow-up surveillance and an ageing population.
- Understand the misconception that wound care dressings are the one single factor that drives wound care costs. Nursing hours taken to care for these wounds and the associated resource this incurs should be considered on an equal footing.
- Apply sNPWT alongside a clinical pathway can result in either complete healing or reduction in wound surface area in SWD that were previously classed as ‘non-healing’.
- Discuss that the early intervention of the sNPWT pathway (wounds <6 months old) may give a higher healing rate and reduce the impact of SWD.
Surgical Wound Dehiscence (SWD) is a significant issue that affects large numbers of patients and is likely underreported. The impact of SWD can be considerable: increased mortality, delayed hospital discharge, readmission, further surgery, delayed adjuvant treatment, and affects the psychological well-being of the patient.
This highly practical course will provide a unique learning opportunity from a panel of expert educators. Across the duration of the two days, participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore various causes of surgical wound dehiscence as well as practical hands-on workshops on identification of the various grades of dehiscence, hints, and tips for complex anatomical areas with the use of negative pressure wound therapy and discuss approaches under the guidance of experts.
What you will learn:
- Identify assess and apply an approach in the management of surgical wound dehiscence.
- Define the common terminology and reporting of surgical wound dehiscence and the importance of surveillance.
- Demonstrate the common causes of surgical wound dehiscence clinical management and prevention.
- Define quality improvement and demonstrate how to start to plan and build key strategies to improve practice in their area.
- Share best practice and learn from the experts.
- Heidi Sandoz, United Kingdom
- Ewan Wilson, United Kingdom
- Luxmi Dhoonmoon, United Kingdom
- Fiona Downie, United Kingdom
- Melisa Rochan, United Kingdom
- Anna Thompson, United Kingdom