Skin Integrity and Pressure Ulcer Awareness
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2024/09078
Max group:
12
Learn to prevent, identify, and manage pressure ulcers to maintain skin integrity and health



Course Summary
Skin Integrity and Pressure Ulcer Awareness
The Skin Integrity and Pressure Ulcer Awareness course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to prevent, identify, and manage pressure ulcers (also known as bed sores or decubitus ulcers). Pressure ulcers are a significant concern in healthcare settings, particularly for individuals with limited mobility, those in long-term care, or patients recovering from surgery or serious illness. This course covers the pathophysiology of pressure ulcers, risk factors, prevention strategies, and evidence-based treatment protocols. Participants will learn how to assess skin integrity, implement care plans, and improve patient outcomes by preventing the development of pressure ulcers. Key Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the Importance of Skin Integrity Recognize the role of skin in overall health and well-being. Understand the factors that contribute to healthy skin and the impact of compromised skin integrity. Explore the common causes of skin breakdown in clinical and home settings. Define Pressure Ulcers and Their Stages Define pressure ulcers and understand their classification (Stage 1 to Stage 4). Identify the differences between pressure ulcers, moisture-associated skin damage, and other skin conditions. Learn the significance of early-stage detection for preventing further tissue damage. Identify Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcers Understand the key risk factors for developing pressure ulcers, including immobility, poor nutrition, moisture, and age. Learn how to assess patients' risk of developing pressure ulcers using tools like the Braden Scale. Discuss the impact of underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and vascular disease, on skin integrity. Prevent Pressure Ulcers through Proactive Care Learn best practices for preventing pressure ulcers in high-risk patients, including regular repositioning, skin assessments, and the use of pressure-relieving devices. Understand the role of hydration and nutrition in maintaining skin integrity and promoting wound healing. Explore how environmental factors like bedding, chairs, and mattresses can affect skin health and pressure ulcer prevention. Conduct Skin Assessments and Early Detection Learn how to perform regular skin assessments, including identifying early signs of pressure damage (redness, warmth, skin blanching). Understand how to document and monitor changes in skin condition over time. Recognize the importance of assessing vulnerable areas like heels, sacrum, and elbows. Manage and Treat Pressure Ulcers Effectively Understand the wound healing process and the stages of wound care. Learn how to manage existing pressure ulcers through appropriate cleaning, dressing, and infection control measures. Explore evidence-based treatments and interventions, including the use of advanced dressings, debridement, and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Implement Multidisciplinary Care for Pressure Ulcers Recognize the role of a team approach in pressure ulcer prevention and management. Understand the involvement of various healthcare professionals, including nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, and wound care specialists. Discuss how to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other team members to create and implement care plans. Promote Education and Awareness in Healthcare Settings Learn strategies for educating patients, caregivers, and healthcare staff on pressure ulcer prevention and care. Develop training materials and resources to improve staff awareness and compliance with skin integrity protocols. Discuss the role of continuous monitoring and quality improvement initiatives in reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers in healthcare settings.





Course Contents
Module 1: Introduction to Skin Integrity
Definition and structure of healthy skin
Skin’s role in protecting against infection, dehydration, and temperature regulation
Common skin conditions affecting integrity: dryness, irritation, infections
Importance of skin care in healthcare settings
Impact of compromised skin integrity on recovery and quality of life
Role of skin assessments in preventing complications
Module 2: Understanding Pressure Ulcers (Bed Sores)
Definition of pressure ulcers
Causes: pressure, shear, friction, moisture
Stages of pressure ulcers:
Stage 1: Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin
Stage 2: Partial-thickness loss of dermis
Stage 3: Full-thickness skin loss
Stage 4: Full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, muscle, or tendon
Unstageable and deep tissue pressure injuryImportance of early detection and prevention
Module 3: Risk Factors for Developing Pressure Ulcers
Identifying high-risk patients: immobility, incontinence, poor nutrition, age
Medical conditions affecting skin integrity: diabetes, vascular disease, spinal cord injury
Impact of cognitive impairments (e.g., dementia) on self-care and prevention
Risk assessment tools:
Braden Scale
Waterlow ScaleIncorporating risk assessments into routine care planning
Module 4: Prevention of Pressure Ulcers
Repositioning and mobility:
Techniques to reduce pressure
Frequent turning (e.g., every 2 hours for bed-bound patients)Use of specialized mattresses, cushions, and support surfaces
Nutrition and hydration:
Role of protein, vitamins, hydration in skin health
Identifying malnutrition as a risk factorMoisture management:
Keeping skin dry
Preventing incontinence-associated dermatitis
Use of moisture barriers and skin cleansersEducation and training for patients, caregivers, and staff
Module 5: Skin Assessment and Early Detection of Pressure Ulcers
Conducting thorough skin inspections focusing on vulnerable areas (heels, sacrum, elbows)
Identifying early signs: redness, warmth, changes in skin texture
Documenting skin assessments and tracking changes over time
Tools for monitoring skin integrity (digital and manual)
Importance of regular reassessment and proactive intervention
Preventing progression of Stage 1 ulcers through early intervention
Module 6: Managing Pressure Ulcers
Basics of wound healing stages: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, maturation
Cleaning and dressing pressure ulcers: best practices
Selecting appropriate dressings based on stage and location
Advanced treatments:
Hydrocolloids, alginates, foam dressings
Debridement methods: mechanical, autolytic, enzymatic, surgical
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)Infection control:
Recognizing and managing infected ulcers
Antibiotics and antiseptics use
Preventing cross-contamination
Module 7: Multidisciplinary Approach to Pressure Ulcer Care
Team-based care: collaboration with nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, wound care specialists
Communication with patients and families
Creating individualized care plans tailored to patient needs and risk factors
Role of care plans in improving outcomes and tracking progress
Best practices for documentation and reporting changes in skin integrity
Module 8: Post-Pressure Ulcer Recovery and Rehabilitation
Post-treatment skin integrity monitoring
Managing psychological and physical impacts of pressure ulcers
Preventing recurrence after healing
Lifestyle changes and ongoing education
Role of physical therapy and mobility training in maintaining skin health
Module 9: Case Studies and Best Practices
Real-life case studies:
Identifying successful prevention and treatment strategies
Discussing challenges and solutions for complex casesKey lessons from effective interventions
Continuous improvement strategies to reduce incidence in healthcare

Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.

Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.



Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;