The workshops are designed to provide informative and in some cases hands on experience and knowledge in a range of areas the Committee believe will be appealing to attendees.
Workshops are split into two categories:
Workshop attendance does not confirm competence but does increase knowledge and familiarity.
** Debridement and Biopsy workshops - Pork products will be used during these workshops. An alternative will be available.
Title: Pressure: Are you sure you are getting it right? Doubt in your Mind? Feeling the pressure?
Chair & Presenter: Professor Neil Piller
Cost: $100 for conference attendees / $200 for workshop only attendees
Description: Compression whatever its form is the mainstay for the treatment of acute and chronic oedemas, lymphoedemas and co-morbidities. Unfortunately, however a clear differential diagnosis is not always made prior to the beginning of the treatments and so we don’t always get the results we expect. Importantly, the pressure we apply may not be right or there may be an inappropriate pressure gradient. The focus of this workshop will be on how we can be more certain that the pressure we deliver is appropriate and that it has an appropriate pressure gradient. You will get an opportunity to watch and partake in the administration (on sims or real people) of bandages/garments/wraps we have selected based on required levels of compression. We will measure the under bandage/garment pressures you achieve and see how they compare with what is required and what you thought you would get.
Purpose: To improve your awareness of the importance of delivering the pressure you want to a limb based on the condition and the relevant literature or manufacturers indications and indicate what happens if it’s not appropriate.
Title: Skin & Wound Assessment
Chair & Presenter: Nicole Flannery
Cost: $100 for conference attendees / $200 for workshop only attendees
Description: An informative session on the importance of a comprehensive assessment for skin and wounds in providing treatment and care. The session includes a short presentation followed by small group work with case studies for hands on approach and problem-based learning. The education will help with standardisation of treatments within health care settings for optimal outcomes. There will hints and tips on skin and wound issue types using the evidence to guide treatments and Mnemonics. Delegates will have interactive quizzes throughout the session and they will leave with new skill for improving clinical practice and knowledge of consensus documents to guide decision making in various health care settings.
Purpose: Aim to increase knowledge and skills in skin and wound assessment with short presentation and interactive group session on case studies. Helpful hints and tips for assessment of skin and wounds in healthcare settings.
Title: Mechanical Cleansing and Debridement Sponsored by BBraun
Chair & Presenter: Steven Percival & Dr Alison Vallejo
Cost: Complimentary
Description: Biofilm is particularly tenacious in chronic or hard-to-heal wounds and may delay healing; therefore its removal is of clinical importance.
Debridement strategies, together with therapeutic cleansing with topical surfactant and antiseptic solutions and use of antimicrobial wound dressings, are recommended.
The goals of therapeutic cleaning and debridement in biofilm-based wound care are to:
• Physically remove the most tolerant microorganisms from the wound bed
• Create an environment that prevents or delays biofilm reformation.
The first part of the session will delve into Biofilm Based Wound Care (BBWC).
The second part of the session will be a hands on session on the new level of debridement: Mechanical Cleansing and Debridement.
The focus is on technique, solution, and surfactant, and how mechanical + chemical = optimal.
Purpose: Educate clinicians how to perform Wound Bed Preparation using Mechanical Cleansing and Debridement.
Title: Stepping it up – The complete VLU solution Sponsored by 3M
Chair & Presenter: Paula Green & Bart Maene
Cost: Complimentary
Description: Venous Leg Ulcers are the most common lower limb wound and represent a significant burden for patients and health care systems1. Bart Maene from Belgium will present on prevention & management strategies & the 3M 4 step program for Venous Leg Ulcers including a hands-on workshop utilising 3M™ Coban™ 2-layer compression system and 3M Advanced wound care dressings.
Title: Wound Debridement
Chair & Presenter: Melinda Brooks
Cost: $100 for conference attendees / $200 for workshop only attendees
Description: Wound debridement is performed by clinicians in many different ways. The word ‘debridement’ can cause stress for some people as this can relate directly to the use of sharp instruments. This workshop will discuss the various methods of wound debridement, how each method can be applied in clinical practice and other issues to consider (such as clinical setting, skill of the clinician, medico-legal issues).
Purpose: The purpose of the wound debridement workshop is to provide the participants with in-depth knowledge relating to the principles of the various methods of wound debridement, legalities and clinical appropriateness of each method.
** Recommendation from the chair presenter to also attend Workshop 3 - Mechanical Cleansing and Debridement
Title: Advanced Vascular Assessment and Interpretation
Chair & Presenter: Richard Rounsley (DMU Vascular) & Dr Peta Tehan
Cost: $100 for conference attendees / $200 for workshop only attendees
Purpose: The aim of the workshop is to improve confidence of participants to read duplex reports and triage patients appropriately, as well as build on and refine their skills in ankle and toe pressure measurement.
Title: Biopsy – When Where and How. Inlcuding introduction to Dermoscopy and Some Potential Applications for Wound Care Clinicians
Chair & Presenter: Sr Ann Fowler and Dr Hilton Beck
Cost: $100 for conference attendees / $200 for workshop only attendees
Description: An introduction to basic dermoscopy to assist in diagnosing incidental cutaneous lesions and basic dermoscopy as a tool for wound assessment. Biopsy – Where, When and How (including the importance of the clinical relationship and communication with pathology to improve the clinical pathological correlation and practical biopsy on pork belly.
Purpose: The purpose of the workshop is to familiarise and encourage the use of biopsy and dermoscopy in wound/lesion assessment, to ensure that biopsies are taken in the right way, from the correct part of the wound, and presented to the pathologist in the best condition, maximising the information retrieved from pathology for the treating team, bringing the pathologist to the fore with wound and clinical diagnosis of lesions and wounds and understanding and applying biopsy to achieve tissue culture in addition to , or in place of wound swabs.
Title: Exudate management: The true impact Sponsored by Hartmann
Chair & Presenter: Tabatha Rando & Georgina McHugh
Cost: Complimentary
Description: Managing exudate in practice can be a challenge and appropriate dressing selection is key. Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) dressings have been found to be ideal for managing wounds with moderate to high volumes of exudate, as they provide excellent absorption and retention of exudate, help to maintain optimal wound bed conditions, and are able to prevent leakage and other exudate-related complications (Hiskett, 2020). This 90 minute workshop will redesign your thinking when it comes to the importance exudate management in chronic hard to heal wounds
Purpose: This engaging hands on workshop will explore tips and tricks to manage wound exudate, the role of wound exudate, the different types of exudates, the causes of excessive exudate, the importance of dressing selection in managing exudate issues to achieve person centred outcomes, the role of compression therapy in managing exudate, varied wound exudate management options and key elements of exudate management when reviewing wound dressings in clinical practice. This workshop will provide a solution focused discussion to address the challenges of exudate management through both case study reviews and hands on experiential learning with desktop wound dressing exudate challenges in a group setting.
Title: Wound Debridement
Chair & Presenter: Melinda Brooks
Cost: $100 for conference attendees / $200 for workshop only attendees
Description: Wound debridement is performed by clinicians in many different ways. The word ‘debridement’ can cause stress for some people as this can relate directly to the use of sharp instruments. This workshop will discuss the various methods of wound debridement, how each method can be applied in clinical practice and other issues to consider (such as clinical setting, skill of the clinician, medico-legal issues).
Purpose: The purpose of the wound debridement workshop is to provide the participants with in-depth knowledge relating to the principles of the various methods of wound debridement, legalities and clinical appropriateness of each method.
** Recommendation from the chair presenter to also attend Workshop 3 - Mechanical Cleansing and Debridement
Title: Biopsy – When Where and How. Inlcuding introduction to Dermoscopy and Some Potential Applications for Wound Care Clinicians
Chair & Presenter: Sr Ann Fowler and Dr Hilton Beck
Cost: $100 for conference attendees / $200 for workshop only attendees
Description: An introduction to basic dermoscopy to assist in diagnosing incidental cutaneous lesions and basic dermoscopy as a tool for wound assessment. Biopsy – Where, When and How (including the importance of the clinical relationship and communication with pathology to improve the clinical pathological correlation and practical biopsy on pork belly.
Purpose: The purpose of the workshop is to familiarise and encourage the use of biopsy and dermoscopy in wound/lesion assessment, to ensure that biopsies are taken in the right way, from the correct part of the wound, and presented to the pathologist in the best condition, maximising the information retrieved from pathology for the treating team, bringing the pathologist to the fore with wound and clinical diagnosis of lesions and wounds and understanding and applying biopsy to achieve tissue culture in addition to , or in place of wound swabs.
Title: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and Complex Wounds
Chair & Presenter: Pam Morey
Cost: $100 for conference attendees / $200 for workshop only attendees
Description: This workshop will explore various Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) options for the management of complex wounds. There will be a focus on those wounds suitable for NPWT where there are challenging clinical factors such as those with fistulae, or anatomical features that are difficult to accommodate. The workshop will include simulated wounds and practical application of NPWT with various adaptations.
Purpose: Enhance participant skills and confidence in the management of NPWT in complex wounds.
Title: Time to decide - what dressing in what situation
Chair & Presenter: Jan Rice
Cost: $100 for conference attendees / $200 for workshop only attendees
Description: This is a hands on workshop—-come prepared to participate and challenge decisions suggested in order to increase your own awareness of products and the process of selecting depending on the circumstances known and unknown.
Purpose: To learn more on product selection and application.
Title: Getting back to the basics of High Risk Foot Assessment
Chair & Presenter: Annie Walsh, Erika Koo & Sasika Schwarzer
Cost: $100 for conference attendees / $200 for workshop only attendees
Description: Early identification of risk factors in people at risk of lower limb complications and foot education is key to reducing the risk of ulceration and lower limb amputation. This workshop is aimed at all health professionals working within a clinical environment. ** Workshop participants will need to be willing to remove shoes and socks and work with other workshop participants to complete foot assessments on each other.
Purpose: The getting back to basics high risk foot workshop aims to provide attendees with both theory and practical hands on experience of completing a foot assessment.
Title: But I don’t want to keep doing what we always do! Implementing change
Chair & Presenter: Dr Bill McGuiness & Dr Kathleen Finlayson
Cost: $100 for conference attendees / $200 for workshop only attendees
Description: The only constant is the need to change. Recent events including the Covid pandemic, bushfires and droughts have demonstrated that an ability to ‘pivot’ is a necessary skill to survive and thrive. This workshop explores contemporary change strategies that clinicians will need as wound management faces several challenges including different allocation of health care resources, the impacts of climate change and client expectations. Small group discussions and a degree of humour will be used to brainstorm possible solutions to real life situations including, patient concordance, organisational malaise, environmentally sustainable practice, and individual burnout.
Purpose: To help empower delegates to become active change agents in their work environments.