Foundation doctor knowledge of wounds and dressings is improved by a simple intervention: An audit cycle-based quality improvement study
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Published version
Author(s)
Catton, Hannah
Geoghegan, Luke
Goss, Alexander
Adami, Raina Zarb
Rodrigues, Jeremy
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background
Many foundation year 1 and 2 doctors (FYs) have limited knowledge experience in wound management. Wound dressing formularies exist in many NHS Trusts, though awareness of and adherence to them by FYs is not known. This quality improvement study described baseline FY knowledge of wound management, and investigated whether this could be improved through educational intervention.
Methods
A single-centre, prospective, baseline audit was conducted following local approval. This assessed knowledge of wound types and appropriate dressings alongside individual confidence providing wound care. The educational intervention involved the distribution of an ID-badge sized quick reference guide that could be attached to the FYs' lanyards, and an introduction to the formulary during routine teaching. The audit loop was closed by repeating the questionnaire.
Results
Pre- (n = 43) and post- (n = 35) intervention questions were completed by FYs. The mean score post-intervention was significantly higher than the pre-intervention score across all knowledge questions (from 32% correct to 71% correct, p < 0.0001). There was no change in participant confidence, which remained low.
Conclusion
FYs lack confidence and knowledge about wounds and dressings. The latter can be improved through a simple and practical educational intervention that could be deployed nationally.
Many foundation year 1 and 2 doctors (FYs) have limited knowledge experience in wound management. Wound dressing formularies exist in many NHS Trusts, though awareness of and adherence to them by FYs is not known. This quality improvement study described baseline FY knowledge of wound management, and investigated whether this could be improved through educational intervention.
Methods
A single-centre, prospective, baseline audit was conducted following local approval. This assessed knowledge of wound types and appropriate dressings alongside individual confidence providing wound care. The educational intervention involved the distribution of an ID-badge sized quick reference guide that could be attached to the FYs' lanyards, and an introduction to the formulary during routine teaching. The audit loop was closed by repeating the questionnaire.
Results
Pre- (n = 43) and post- (n = 35) intervention questions were completed by FYs. The mean score post-intervention was significantly higher than the pre-intervention score across all knowledge questions (from 32% correct to 71% correct, p < 0.0001). There was no change in participant confidence, which remained low.
Conclusion
FYs lack confidence and knowledge about wounds and dressings. The latter can be improved through a simple and practical educational intervention that could be deployed nationally.
Date Issued
2020-03-01
Date Acceptance
2020-01-07
Citation
Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 2020, 51, pp.24-27
ISSN
2049-0801
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
24
End Page
27
Journal / Book Title
Annals of Medicine and Surgery
Volume
51
Copyright Statement
© 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IJS Publishing Group Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/BY/4.0/).
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2020-01-21