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Modules

Course Overview

Module 1 (Core): Biology of Wound Healing

To ensure survival, one of the priorities of our body, following tissue injury, is the cessation of haemorrhage, prevention of infection and restoration of tissue integrity and function. The process by which tissue repair takes place is termed "wound healing" and comprises of a continuous sequence of inflammation and repair in which epithelial and endothelial, inflammatory cells, platelets, and fibroblasts briefly come together outside their normal domains, interacting to restore a semblance of their normal discipline, and resume their normal function. These cells adopt a number of complicated biological changes in order to achieve haemostasis, combat infection, migrate into the wound space, deposit a matrix, and form new vessels to achieve wound closure.

As a health professional with a specialist interest in wound healing and tissue repair, the student will already have a  broad understanding of the pathophysiology of wound healing. This module invites them to explore, in greater depth, some, or all areas of this highly complex process.

Module 2 (Core): Behavioural (Psychosocial) Aspects of Wound Healing

This module is designed to introduce the student to the area of psychosocial aspects of health, in particular, the application of some psychological and sociological concepts to the process of wound healing. This is a very substantial area of study; books have been written on many of the concepts, which can only be discussed briefly within this course. However, references and further reading are provided to highlight sources of information for those who wish to pursue particular areas of interest.

Module 3: Research Design and Methods

The ability to evaluate and practice research is seen as a necessary component of an MSc programme. This module will allow students to examine a range of theoretical and practical aspects of research which are particularly applicable to the subject of wound healing.

Module 4: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Influencing Wound Healing

This module is designed to introduce the student to factors that may influence or delay the healing process.

Many wounds will heal normally without delay or complication. However, the majority of chronic, and many acute wounds are affected by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Many of these factors can be eliminated or reduced by recognition of good practice and changes in bad.

The student will be aware of the effect many disease processes, such as diabetes, uraemia and jaundice have on a patient's sate of health; blood supply and surgical technique will also exert their influence.

Infection can present problems, but it is important that the student can differentiate between colonisation and sepsis in order to make appropriate clinical decisions. Also reviewed is the development of wound dressing materials during the 60s and 70s which has made a large impact on the type of management now offered to patients.

Module 5: Assessment and Diagnosis

This module introduces the practitioner to a variety of assessment and diagnostic techniques which can provide a structured approach to management. Diagnosis and assessment of the patients' problems are essential to ensure that correct treatment and management plans are instigated. Methods of measurement that are objective and relevant that evaluate the chosen management plan are crucial elements in providing optimal, cost effective care. A key factor in achieving a structured approach is standardisation of the terminology used in the assessment process. This will increase the level of communication amongst team members and ensure a collective effort towards wound healing research. Nutritional requirements, psychological status, oxygen tension, blood flow and wound infection, previously discussed in Module 2 and 4 will also be examined in relation to assessment and diagnosis.

Module 6: Management of Acute Wounds

Acute wounds can usually be defined as wounds that will heal within an expected time frame without complication. Although this definition may not always clarify when a wound becomes chronic this module reviews the management of wounds caused by surgery, trauma or thermal injury and are expected to heal within weeks rather than months or years. This module will reinforce material covered in Modules 4 and 5. Students have the option of studying one of the three wound types.
 

Module 7: Management of Chronic Wounds

The largest percentage of money and resources are spent on treatment and management of chronic wounds. Much of this expenditure is due to inappropriate and/or reactive treatment.

This module will emphasise preventative and pro-active care of chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers, leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers which will reinforce material covered in Modules 2 and 4. Students have the option of studying one of the three wound types.

Module 8: Values and Priorities in Wound Care

This introduces the student to values and priorities in wound care, and particularly to consider areas of resource allocation, legal, ethical and moral issues surrounding wound care delivery. Cost-effectiveness is a key word in Health Service management in today's climate, but within current financial constraints resources allocated for wound care may be scarce. Developing countries have even less resources from which they can organise effective care. Constraints such as these can present practitioners with ethical and moral dilemmas which may affect their professional role. This module explores theoretical and practical concepts of those wider political and economic issues of health service delivery incorporating reference to equitable and effective health resource allocation. Readers are encouraged to review resource allocation locally within their own or other organisations and to discover how demonstrably clinically effective wound care might contribute to more appropriate resource allocation.

Dissertation (MSc Project)

The dissertation is intended to provide students with the opportunity to work independently in an area of specific interest and which may contribute to the quality of service provision. The work undertaken will be an empirical research study. The student will be required to design the study and collect, analyse and present data relevant to the stated aims of their investigation.