Wound Closure Training

The ability to close a wound is an important part of healthcare, however, there are many methods of wound closure, all of which work differently to achieve the same result. 

Wound closure training equips nurses and other healthcare professionals, with the necessary skills to provide effective patient care. Knowing how to proficiently close wounds will ensure proper healing and reduces the risk of complications such as infection or delayed healing. It is also important to know what method of wound closure to use for different wounds. 

The Wound Closure Training Course is designed to provide participants with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills required to proficiently perform wound closure procedures. This course emphasizes the importance of infection control, wound assessment, and appropriate wound closure techniques. Participants will gain practical experience in suturing, stapling, and adhesive methods while prioritizing patient comfort and optimal healing outcomes.

Types of Wound Closure

There are 3 main types of wound closure that are covered by our training course. These include:

• Suture
• Staples
• Glue

Knowing all of these is essential, so by putting them all into our one-day course it leaves you feeling confident that you can seal a wound safely using all three methods. 

Wound Suture Training

Suture training involves the use of sutures to close wounds. During suture training, delegates learn various techniques such as simple interrupted sutures. These techniques require precision and attention to detail to achieve optimal wound closure.  There are different types of sutures used in wound closure, including absorbable and non-absorbable sutures. Absorbable sutures break down naturally over time and do not require removal while non-absorbable sutures need to be removed after a certain period. 

The benefits of using sutures include their strength in holding tissues together during the healing process. Additionally, they allow for precise control over wound edges alignment which promotes better cosmetic outcomes. 

Wound Staple Training 

Wound staple training involves the use of sterile surgical staples to close wounds instead of traditional suturing techniques. Staples are commonly used for large incisions or lacerations as they provide rapid wound closure with minimal tissue reaction. 

During staple training sessions, participants will learn how to properly place staples along the wound edges using a specialised stapling device. This technique is particularly useful when working on areas where achieving precise alignment might be challenging due to anatomical factors. 

Staples offer several advantages over other methods of wound closure such as speed and ease of application. They also provide excellent wound support and reduce the risk of tissue strangulation. However, staples may not be suitable for wounds located in areas with increased tension or where cosmesis is a concern.

Wound Glue Training 

Wound glue, also known as a tissue adhesive, is a relatively new method used for wound closure. It involves the application of a special medical glue to hold the wound edges together. It being new compared to other methods means it isn’t always covered in training courses, despite its usage in many medical settings. 

On our wound glue training course, delegates learn how to properly apply the glue in thin layers along the wound and ensure proper adhesion. 

The advantages of using wound glue include its simplicity and ease of use. It does not require specialised equipment like sutures or staples, making it convenient for use in various clinical settings. Additionally, wound glue minimises patient discomfort during removal as it naturally sloughs off over time. However, patients with allergies to cyanoacrylate-based glues should avoid this method of closure.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Understand Wound Healing Principles:
   • Explain the stages of wound healing and factors that influence the wound closure process.
   • Describe the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary wound closure and their indications.
2. Recognize Different Wound Types:
   • Identify various wound types, such as surgical incisions, lacerations, punctures, and abrasions.
   • Apply appropriate wound assessment techniques to determine the best closure method for each type.
3. Comprehend Infection Control Measures:
   • Understand the importance of maintaining a sterile environment during wound closure procedures.
   • Describe infection prevention practices to minimize the risk of wound site infections.
4. Learn Suturing Techniques:
   • Familiarize with different suture materials, sizes, and needle types.
   • Develop proficiency in various suturing techniques, including simple interrupted, continuous, and subcuticular sutures.
5. Master Stapling Methods:
   • Identify suitable wound types for stapling closure.
   • Demonstrate proper staple placement and removal techniques.
6. Explore Adhesive Closure Techniques:
   • Understand the appropriate use of adhesive strips and tissue adhesives for wound closure.
   • Practice precise application of adhesive materials for secure closure.
7. Prioritize Patient Comfort and Safety:
   • Discuss pain management strategies during wound closure procedures.
   • Apply techniques to minimize discomfort and anxiety for patients during the closure process.
8. Develop Suturing Skills:
   • Practice precise needle handling, knot tying, and tension control in suturing.
   • Demonstrate consistent and even stitch placement for optimal wound closure outcomes.
9. Address Complications and Follow-Up Care:
   • Identify potential complications in wound closure, such as dehiscence and infection.
   • Develop strategies for monitoring wound healing progress and providing appropriate follow-up care.
10. Enhance Communication and Consent:
    • Learn effective communication techniques to explain the wound closure procedure to patients and obtain informed consent.
    • Understand the importance of documenting the procedure accurately for medical records.
11. Adapt Techniques to Diverse Wound Scenarios:
    • Apply wound closure techniques to various scenarios, including paediatric patients, geriatric patients, and different anatomical sites.
    • Modify techniques based on wound location and patient-specific factors.
12. Practice Hands-On Skills through Simulations:
    • Engage in realistic hands-on simulations to practice wound closure techniques on synthetic models.
    • Gain confidence in selecting the appropriate closure method based on wound characteristics.

This course aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to perform wound closure procedures competently, safely, and in alignment with infection control practices. Participants will develop confidence in selecting and applying suitable closure methods while prioritizing patient comfort and optimal wound healing outcomes.

The Guardian Angels wound closure training course takes a single day. Completing the course allows you to obtain a certificate valid for two years.