A dedicated wound care module for third-year baccalaureate nurses: does it increase their knowledge and confidence?

Objective: Wound care is an important component of nursing care, consuming a significant amount of working hours. Literature reports the existence of many barriers to evidence-based wound care and that nursing students have an increasing need for education in this field. While blended learning activities have shown some benefits in learning outcomes, dedicated wound care modules within baccalaureate nursing courses occur infrequently. The aim of this study was to facilitate an increase in confidence and knowledge of evidence-based wound care in third-year baccalaureate nursing students.

Method: In this descriptive pre-post research design, a dedicated wound care module within a baccalaureate nursing course (using a constructivist learning approach) was offered to students in a university in Australia. Pre- and post-implementation surveys were completed (2018-2020). Due to a small number of matching participants, only descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables.

Results: A total of 276 students were invited to respond to the survey and 41 responded initially, 35 responded post the wound care module, and 26 responded to the survey after six months. Positive outcomes were noted in increased levels of confidence in the student nurses' ability to assess, manage and prevent wounds; as well as to apply evidence-based practice and change management following the educational wound care module within the baccalaureate nursing course.

Conclusion: Implementation of a dedicated wound care module within a baccalaureate nursing course in this sample of third-year students fostered a positive change in the knowledge of evidence-based wound management, assessment and prevention. Education of the next generation of registered nurses in this valuable area of practice is an important part of baccalaureate nursing education.