Using interactive study days to enable staff to appropriately manage patients’ wounds

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) rates within the division were high at 3%. Staff lacked confidence in the management of wounds. There was no specialised training within the Trust that focused on the management of surgical wounds. Aims: The surgical practice development team aimed to create a 2-day training programme that overhauled educational delivery of wound management and improved patient outcomes. Methods: The surgical practice development team introduced a series of fun and innovative days where staff learned through interactive teaching sessions. The effectiveness of this was measured through audit of the SSI rates within the division and assessment of individual competency in aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT). We also undertook a qualitative survey assessing whether staff within the division felt competent and identifying the barriers to achieving competence when managing wounds. Results: Following delivery of the education days rates of SSI fell to 1% in total knee replacements and to 0% in other specialities. Following the training 79% of staff felt confident in managing wounds by being able to select appropriate dressings and plan appropriate care. There was an improvement in the rates of ANTT assessments passed on first attempt from 57% to 83%. Conclusions: Introduction of fun, educational days improves SSI rates within the division and, therefore, enabled us to improved patient outcomes.