Course is available

Wound management in resource-limited settings: Training for national and district-level health workers

Offered by OpenWHO
Wound management in resource-limited settings: Training for national and district-level health workers

Chronic wounds represent a widely neglected problem. Many skin NTDs either present with or can develop into wounds/ulcers. In addition, many common skin conditions, such as diabetic foot and venous ulcers require wound care, providing many opportunities for synergy of resources.

This course addresses the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and psychological and socioeconomic impacts of wounds for front-line healthcare workers in resource-limited settings.

Photo credit: Yoshi Shimizu

Self-paced
Language: English
NTD

Course information

Overview: Although the epidemiology and high economic burden of chronic wounds is well documented in countries of the Global North, they are poorly studied elsewhere in the world, and their true socioeconomic impact is unknown. Many patients with wounds can be diagnosed and managed at the peripheral health level. Effective treatment, support and information about self-care are needed to appropriately care for affected patients and their families. The aim of the course is to increase familiarity and skills of front-line health workers to manage chronic wounds of various causes in resource-limited settings and to raise awareness of when to refer patients onwards.

Course duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Certificates: A Certificate of Achievement will be issued to participants who score at least 80% of the total points available in the final assessment. Participants who receive a certificate of achievement can also download an Open Badge for this course. Click here to learn how.

What you'll learn

  • Name the most common causes of wounds globally
  • Describe the epidemiology of the common causes of wounds
  • Assess the clinical presentation and diagnosis of wounds
  • Explain the therapeutic management plan for patients with wounds
  • Identify the socioeconomic and psychological impact of wounds

Course contents

  • Module 1: Introduction and Epidemiology:

    This module starts with an overview of neglected tropical diseases, since many skin NTDs are associated with skin wounds. By the end of this module, you will describe the most common causes of wounds and explain the epidemiology of these conditions globally.
  • Module 2: Clinical Features and Diagnosis:

    By the end of this module, you will describe how to obtain a relevant history and physical examination of patients presenting with wounds and recognize clinical patterns of common causes of wounds to help reach a clinical diagnosis.
  • Module 3: Overview of Wound Healing:

    By the end of this module, you will apply basic principles of wound healing and understand how to prevent development of disability.
  • Module 4: Treatment and When to Refer:

    By the end of this module, you will learn how to cleanse, cover and protect a wound, care for surrounding skin, treat underlying NTDs and recognize when to refer for further assessment and care.
  • Module 5: Public Health Considerations:

    By the end of this module, you will explain the socioeconomic and psychological impact of wounds, describe basic wound kit materials and suitable local alternatives, and become familiar with the basic infrastructure needed for appropriate wound management.

Enroll me for this course

The course is free. Just register for an account on OpenWHO and take the course!
Enroll me now
Learners enrolled: 1652

Certificate Requirements

  • Gain a Record of Achievement by earning at least 80% of the maximum number of points from all graded assignments.
  • Gain an Open Badge by completing the course.