The module begins with a compulsory one-day workshop followed by four months of self-directed study. This course can be used as part of our Cert. HE Primary Care qualification.

Health Care Assistant

Teesside University 20 Credits Level 4

Introduction to Wound Care Management for HCAs in Primary Care.

This module is designed for experienced primary health care assistants who wish to expand their role and gain new knowledge and skills in the care and management of patients who require wound care in the primary care environment. The content covers an overview of the types of wounds, wound healing and factors influencing the healing process, physical and psycho-social effects on the patient and family, infection control, asepsis, dressings and the removal of sutures and skin clips.

The module begins with a compulsory one-day workshop followed by four months of self-directed study. A workbook linked to clinical activities and a competency booklet complements the self-directed learning and informs the summative assessment.

Students must be employed for a minimum of 15 hours per week as a health care assistant within a primary care environment and have a minimum of one year's experience in the role. Students must have had their competence in the role of the health care assistant assessed at academic level 3 or above, and must be working alongside a registered nurse mentor.

As part of the assessment involves writing an essay, it is important that students have a good ability to write clearly in English. You must be able to complete the Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Tools at the Skills for Health website.

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the skin.
• Explain the principles of wound healing and the factors that may delay the process of wound healing.
• Gather, record and describe information to assess the care and ongoing management of a patient with a wound.
• Act under direction to support the care of patients with different wound types. 
• Select and apply appropriate dressings to different types of wounds.
• Determine type of wound closure and assess wound healing prior to removal of skin closure devices.
• Work within local and national infection control policy and guidelines for safe and effective wound management.
• Identify and use writing skills appropriate to the level of study.

• Introduction to anatomy and physiology of the skin
• Physical and psycho-social effect of different wounds on the patient and family
• Identification of wound types
• The healing process
• Patient-focussed wound assessment
• Infection control
• Hand washing
• Wound cleansing and asepsis
• Types of dressings used in primary care
• Removal of staples and sutures 
• Accountability  
• Academic writing

Students will complete a competency-based booklet within the clinical setting alongside the registered nurse mentor. Students will complete an essay of no more than 2,000 words exploring the care and support for two patients with different wounds, whose care they have contributed to.  The patients should be selected in consultation with the nurse mentor and with the patients' consent.