Clinical competence in sharp debridement: an innovative course

Abstract

A quick and effective way of promoting wound healing is to carry out sharp debridement where indicated, but this procedure carries a high level of clinical risk. Minimizing risk is an essential feature of clinical governance. A new course in wound debridement was developed at King's College, London in response to local NHS trust demand which required assessment of competence for this high-risk procedure. This innovative development crossed traditional boundaries, and required high collaboration between education and practice.

Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy Evidence-Based Recommendations for Conservative Sharp Wound Debridement

“…13 , 28 , 47 The panel believes that it is unacceptable for nurses to be self-taught 13 and several authors have highlighted the implications of practicing CSWD without adequate education, training, and competency assessment. 12,13,24,28,58,60 Fairbairn and colleagues 13 recommend a minimum level of qualifications for nurses who carry out CSWD ( Table 3 ). 12,13,24,28,58,60 Fairbairn and colleagues 13 recommend a minimum level of qualifications for nurses who carry out CSWD ( Table 3 ).…”

Conservative Sharp Wound Debridement

“…[9][10][11] It is considered unacceptable to be self-taught 9 other nurses CSWD appears to be the most common form of skill development. Key areas of concern include variability in baseline wound knowledge and skills development in CSWD, as well as reports of lack of institutional policy.…”

“…9,10,13,[15][16][17] The CAET Evidence-Based Recommendations for Conservative Sharp Wound Debridement suggest that nurses should complete a comprehensive wound care course prior to practicing CSWD and take a dedicated skills development course that includes a period of skills mentorship prior to practice. 9,10,13,[15][16][17] The CAET Evidence-Based Recommendations for Conservative Sharp Wound Debridement suggest that nurses should complete a comprehensive wound care course prior to practicing CSWD and take a dedicated skills development course that includes a period of skills mentorship prior to practice.…”

Executive Summary: Debridement

“…The task force has identified a need to develop a competency framework for wound care and a competency-based debridement education and preceptorship program for nurses to develop and maintain specialized knowledge, skills, and judgment in initiating, directing, and performing debridement. [15][16][17][18] In addition, A Quick Reference Guide (QRG) summary of the recommendations has been developed to support the implementation of the BPR and to guide nursing roles and responsibilities regarding debridement. National debridement competencies and an advanced debridement course are currently being developed by NSWOCC's Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute with the launch planned for early January 2022.…”