This module introduces the student to the complex aetiology and epidemiology of leg ulceration. It focuses on the holistic assessment and management of people with lower limb ulcers and discusses the controversies and evidence base surrounding effective leg ulcer management services. In addition, the student will have the opportunity to demonstrate competence in skills to effectively clinically assess and manage a person who has a leg ulcer, or is at risk of developing one. 

Students will be supported through a range of classroom and online learning together with group and individual tutorials. They will be expected to enhance their understanding of theoretical concepts through further reading and achieve practice competencies through self-directed work-based learning or demonstrate practical skills in a practical workshop environment.

Topics covered will reflect contemporary lower limb management research and practice and will typically include:

• Aetiology, pathophysiology and epidemiology of leg ulceration.
• Clinical assessment of people with leg ulcers and associated conditions.
• The use of hand- held Doppler for vascular assessment of the lower limb.
• The professional context and use of national and local clinical guidelines.
• A range of recognised high compression therapies.
• Prevention of ulcer recurrence.
• Lower limb skin care.
• Understanding the patient experience of living with leg ulcers and related conditions.
• Making good use of services, managing referrals and clinical outcomes.
• Study skills including online literature retrieval skills using health databases.
• Communicating relevant research outcomes for lower limb management.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:

Successful students will typically: 
•Demonstrate a systematic in-depth understanding of the impact of leg ulceration on health services
•Critically analyse and evaluate the provision of services for the management of people with leg ulcers
•Critically analyse and evaluate research evidence for the effective care of people with leg ulcers

Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills:
Successful students will typically:
•Implement and evaluate effective clinical assessment and management plans for people with leg ulcers based on correct interpretation of underlying pathophysiological changes
•Articulate in-depth understanding of the principles of Doppler assessment of the lower limb and demonstrate use of the hand-held Doppler device
•Demonstrate effective communication of research outcomes for a complex and specialised area of lower limb management

Number of Learner Hours: 

1.    Scheduled - 36

2.    Independent - 114 (28 Directed) (86 Self-directed)

3.    Placement/work-based learning - 0

Assessment
Coursework 1- a report on your local leg ulcer service provision and a research critique that can be written or audio recorded using PowerPoint.

Pass/Fail Competence document signed by the Practice Assessor

What our students say:

"Fantastic curse, so very informative."

"Freedom to share ideas, good practical's."

"Really enjoyed the mixture of face to face and online."

"I feel the course has challenged my patient care and supported learning and knowledge well."

"I have really loved this course. I was worried due to lack of experience but (Irene) teaches to all levels, the content has been brilliant and relevant."

"Course leader explains well, with evidence base…aligns to patient care."

This module can contribute to the following programme(s)

HHCONMSC: MSc Contemporary Nursing

HSACPM: MSc Advanced Clinical Practice