“Chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers impose significant clinical and economic burdens on the NHS, and that coordinated, evidence-based practice and better data are essential for improved outcomes ”
Stephen-Haynes 2026
This one-day educational programme provides healthcare professionals with an evidence-based, practical approach to the assessment and management of acute and chronic wounds. The course integrates wound healing principles, infection management, dressing selection, and strategies to reduce variation in practice to improve patient outcomes. This masterclass delivers a comprehensive, evidence-based exploration of acute and chronic wound management, equipping clinicians with the knowledge and confidence to improve healing outcomes while reducing unwarranted variation in care.
The programme begins with the underpinning science of wound healing before progressing to structured holistic assessment using recognised frameworks such as TIME. Participants will explore the management of surgical and chronic wounds linking clinical decision-making to national guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP), and the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF).
Emphasis is placed on accurate assessment, early identification of changes and appropriate escalation in line with patient safety priorities and quality standards. The afternoon sessions focus on complex wound challenges, including infection, biofilm, antimicrobial stewardship, malodour management, and cost-effective dressing selection.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this masterclass, participants will be able to:
Describe the physiology of wound healing and differentiate between acute and chronic wound pathology
Undertake a comprehensive, holistic wound assessment, incorporating recognised frameworks (e.g. TIME), risk assessment, and accurate documentation
Identify early signs of local and systemic infection, differentiate colonisation from infection, and apply principles of antimicrobial stewardship in line with guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Develop evidence-based management plans for common acute and chronic wounds. including surgical wounds, pressure ulcers (aligned with European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel guidance), and diabetic foot ulcers (aligned with International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot recommendations)
Select appropriate dressings and adjunctive therapies based on wound assessment findings, exudate levels, tissue type, and patient factors, considering cost-effectiveness and local formulary guidance
Recognise factors contributing to delayed wound healing, including comorbidities, vascular compromise, nutrition, glycaemic control, and psychosocial impact
Identify strategies to improve consistency, patient outcomes, and service efficiency
Who should attend? Community and acute nurses, Tissue Viability nurses, AHPs involved in wound management, Clinical leads/service managers, Practice Nurses, Care Home qualified nurses, and those responsible for wound management
