Aging adults have complex health care needs and it is important for rehabilitation professionals to be able to identify needs working to optimize overall health. Aging adults are more likely to have multiple medical co-morbidities and polypharmacy needs. Both normal physiologic and pathological aging processes have significant effects on the structure and function of the body, which leads to limitations in functional independence, increased cost of health care and decreased quality of life. This course will focus on the principles of integumentary wound care and provide a foundation for future courses within the curriculum. This course is self-paced with a four-week time frame for completion.

Course Objectives/Outcomes

By the end of the course, a successful learner will be able to:

• Describe physiologic wound healing principles of acute and chronic wounds.
• Describe the seven primary types of wounds and their underlying primary etiology.
• Identify the primary wound type based on the location of the wound, surrounding integument and wound bed features.
• Identify the critical element of treatment for each primary wound type.
• Discuss the elements of an initial wound assessment.
• Use the appropriate method for measuring a wound.
• Identify key features of an ulcer to include: epibole, undermining, tunneling and signs of inflammation/infection.
• Recognize the primary categories of wound dressings.
• Describe the primary purpose of each category of wound dressing.
• Recognize the pathophysiologic changes that occur within the neuropathic foot.
• Evaluate the diabetic foot; recognizing pathologic changes influencing care.
• Develop a plan providing the foundational methods of treatment for neuropathic (diabetic) wound offloading and integumentary care.
• Recognize the fundamental concepts of offloading in neuropathic ulcer care.
• Define the term pressure injury.
• Identify two primary mechanisms underlying pressure injury development.
• Recognize skin damage that mimics pressure injury.
• Recognize two clinically suspicious wounds presentations which indicate it may be time to engage the multidisciplinary team.
• Identify three common postural abnormalities in the geriatric population that can influence seating and positioning.
• Implement two modifications to the wheelchair seating system mitigating risk for pressure injury development.
• Accurately identify arterial ulcers and “mixed” etiology ulcers.
• Recognize when selective sharp debridement is contraindicated.
• Recognize when it is appropriate to request additional consultation for consideration of re-vascularization procedures.
• Illustrate the underlying mechanism and pathophysiology of venous insufficiency ulcer development.
• Distinguish which type of compression is most appropriate based on the patient’s wound, arterial supply and mobility

Applicability

• Advanced Geriatric Certification