Foundation doctor knowledge of wounds and dressings is improved by a simple intervention: An audit cycle-based quality improvement study.

Hannah Catton,Raina Zarb Adami,Jeremy N Rodrigues,Luke Geoghegan,Alexander J Goss

doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2020.01.004

Abstract

BackgroundMany 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsPre- (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.ConclusionFYs 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.

Highlights

As most UK medical schools do not cover plastic surgery in their curricula, many foundation year 1 and 2 doctors (FYs) are likely to have limited clinical knowledge and wound management experience
This quality improvement study described baseline foundation year and doctors (FYs) knowledge of wound management, and investigated whether this could be improved through educational intervention
The mean score postintervention was significantly higher than the pre-intervention score across all questions examining identification of wound type and appropriate dressing

Summary

Introduction

Objective As most UK medical schools do not cover plastic surgery in their curricula, many foundation year 1 and 2 doctors (FYs) are likely to have limited clinical knowledge and wound management experience. Wound dressing formularies exist in many NHS Trusts, though awareness of and adherence to them by FYs is not known.

Results

Conclusion