About the course

  • Course Design: Self-directed

  • Duration: It will take you 3 hours to complete.

  • Eligibility for this course: The following healthcare workers in the Western Cape:
    • ENS and PNs - to provide a basic theory foundation on an approach to wound care.
    • PCNs - to provide a helpful refresher on wound care theory and techniques.

  • Accreditation: WCDHW Nursing CPD Accredited for 3 CPD points in Area of Practice.

  • Certification: Participants need 70% pass mark for final quiz.

  • Published: August 2025

If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply to start:

Your supervisor details are required

Apply to enroll

Course outline

The following topics are covered in this course:

1. Foundations of wound care

  • Structure and functions of the skin
  • Physiology/phases of wound healing
  • Initial assessment of the client with a wound
  • Describing a wound accurately
  • Wound healing duration
  • Primary & secondary dressings


2. Approach to the client with a burn

  • Burn wounds
  • How to clean, how to debride and how to dress a wound
  • How to remove a dressing


3. Approach to the client with a skin ulcer/non-healing wound

  • Lower limb wounds
  • Foot wounds in diabetes
  • Surgical wound complications
  • How to take a wound sample


4. Approach to the client with a traumatic wound

  • Trauma wounds and management thereof
  • Stomas
  • Fistulas
  • Wound Care Referral Form


5. Approach to the client with a venous stasis ulcer

  • How to measure/photograph wound
  • Client education
  • Wound record keeping 
  • Applying a compression bandage

 


6. Approach to the client with a dog bite

  • How to assess a dog bite wound
  • Appropriate wound care for dog bites
  • Prophylaxis and antibiotics
  • Referral indications
  • Rabies risk management principles


7. Approach to the client with a cancer wound/wounds relating to immobilisation

  • Cancer wounds and management thereof
  • Incontinence-associated dermatitis
  • Pressure injury



8. Holistic care of the client with a wound

  • Nutrition
  • Rehabilitation
  • Pain management

 


Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness
People Development Centre

Acknowledgements:

  • Knowledge Translation Unit