Undertake treatments and dressings related to the care of lesions and wounds
Overview
This standard covers undertaking treatments and dressings related to the care of individuals' lesions and wounds. It is applicable in a variety of care settings including hospitals, care homes, the individuals own home or other community settings such as GP surgeries.
This standard involves removing and disposing of soiled dressings and wound coverings, cleaning lesions and wounds and applying fresh treatments/dressings.
All of these activities must be undertaken using an aseptic technique and following organisational guidelines and procedures.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and/or others in undertaking treatments and dressings related to the care of lesions and wounds
P2. provide support to the individual, ensuring that you respect their rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs and dignity
P3. check individuals’ identity, establish consent and confirm the planned activity
P4. confirm all equipment and materials for treatments and dressings are:
a. as prescribed/detailed in the individual's care and support plan
b. appropriate to the procedure
c. fit for purpose
P5. carry out the treatments and dressings:
a. at an appropriate time according to the individual's care and support plan
b. using appropriate techniques in line with workplace instructions
c. in a manner which optimises the comfort, privacy and dignity of the individual and minimises pain and trauma
P6. observe the lesion/wound for any change in appearance
P7. observe the individual throughout the activity, recognise and report any condition or behaviour which may signify adverse reactions to the activity and take the appropriate action
P8. maintain the sterility of the dressing prior to and during application
P9. apply or attach dressings correctly, if applicable use suitable non-allergenic dressings where individual allergies have been identified
P10. ensure that the pressure exerted by the dressing is consistent with the type of wound
P11. dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
P12. complete all relevant documentation required for undertaking treatments and dressings
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions, legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols needed to undertake treatments and dressings related to the care of lesions and wounds
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K4. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K5. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
K6. the importance of applying standard infection control precautions to undertaking treatment and dressings related to the care of lesions and wounds and the potential consequences of poor practice
K7. why individuals should be supported and informed about the nature of the lesions/wound treatment or dressing
K8. the concerns and worries which individuals may have in relation to treatments and dressings related to the care of lesions and wounds
K9. the adverse reactions which may occur during and following procedures and how to identify and deal with these
K10. the role of the tissue viability/wound care specialist practitioner and how they can be contacted
K11. the anatomy and physiology of the skin related to the application of dressings and wound supports
K12. the following regarding wound healing:
a. the process of wound healing
b. factors affecting wound healing
c. potential complications of wound healing
K13. the principles and working practices associated with:
a. asepsis
b. antisepsis
c. cross infection
K14. how aseptic technique contributes to the control of infection
K15. potential sources of contamination when undertaking treatments and dressings and appropriate measures to reduce or deal with them
K16. the potential consequences of wound contamination
K17. the equipment and materials required for the treatments and dressings you are required to undertake
K18. why resources should be prepared before you start the activity
K19. the types of treatments that are undertaken within your work area and why they are carried out
K20. the types and purposes of dressings used within your work area
K21. the importance of following the treatment and dressing procedures exactly as it is specified, and the potential effects of not doing so
K22. the importance of packing up used equipment and soiled dressing materials prior to leaving the immediate care area
K23. how and dispose of waste material in accordance with organisational procedures
K24. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements