Developing interactive wound models for healthcare training and education

Aim: Our research aims to generate a range of true-to-life wound models to allow trainee healthcare professionals to practice necessary wound preparation techniques before facing patients in the clinic. These interactive wound simulations intend to look, feel and behave more realistically compared to current training resources such as cadavers, pigs’ feet and fruit peel, and are more accessible, ethical, and cost-effective.

Method: A multidisciplinary team was formed comprising vascular nurse consultants, tissue viability nurses and tissue engineers towards generating different wound models. Chronic wounds were engineered using sustainablebiomaterials in a range of skin tones, representing a wound void complete with underlying healthy granulation tissue, slough, exudate and debridable necrosis, as seen in patients in the clinic (Figure 1a). Skin tears type I, II and III were developed to allow skin reapproximation training and treatment (Figure 1b), the mechanical properties of the models were matched to those of skin wounds, and a panel of 20 wound care experts and their trainees were asked to provide critical feedback on model suitability.

Results / Discussion: Using feedback from institutions, trusts and businesses to enhance our wound models, our simulation training aids receive excellent feedback on their realism and functionality, and they are now being utilized in high demand in sharp debridement courses, conference workshops and wound care product demonstrations. Most importantly, our end users have described the models as an “excellent learning tool”, a “very useful simulation aid”, and commented “how things have improved from using oranges”.

Conclusion: Providing realistic training opportunities holds potential in contributing to a more skilled and confident wound care workforce, subsequently reducing wound healing timelines and ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.