WoundBusters: A Unique Educational Opportunity

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a new, unique educational opportunity in wound care—WoundBusters. The program is a virtual presentation designed to help wound care practitioners manage challenging cases in their practices. You, the wound care practitioner, can submit a difficult or challenging case that will be discussed by a multidisciplinary panel of wound care experts. The cases are chosen based on general interest for wound care providers; different parts of each case will furnish an opportunity to present teaching points. Based on the type of case presented, the panel will change with each program to reflect the expertise of the selected practitioners. One of the novel parts of the program is that both the patient and caregiver present the case and are available to respond to questions.

I was asked to be part of the panel of experts on WoundBusters #2. When I asked what I needed to prepare for the program, I was concerned that the answer would be nothing. To be put on the spot without any information about the topic being discussed can be a major challenge and provide significant heartburn! In the educational program, the presenters and experts included 2 physicians (1 podiatrist), 2 physical therapists, one of which was a lymphedema specialist and the other a WOCN; and the patient. The case revolved around wounds on the patient’s very swollen legs, which were not responding to therapy. One wound was due to her dog scratching her leg, while the wound on the opposite leg resulted from a tree branch hitting her. To that point, I thought the case would be straightforward, but that was not to be. The additional history revealed the patient had active rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, and multiple other issues that were playing a role in the failure to heal. We were then told the medications the patient was taking. Unfortunately, most would do nothing but impede wound healing. Despite the challenges, we were able to discuss several important points related to the patient’s wounds and diseases. By the time the program ended, we made several suggestions about therapy for the patient and caregiver to consider. Having the patient available to answer questions to shed light on some of the problems that would normally not be included in a routine history was an interesting opportunity. This approach to a difficult problem resulted in some spirited conversation and produced ideas that might not have been discussed otherwise.

I encourage everyone to participate in the next program on September 23rd. If you have a difficult case you would like to submit to the program, please log onto VirtualWoundRounds.com for submission instructions. If you have additional questions or would like to submit your case directly, please contact Dr Windy Cole, the program moderator. Dr Cole can be reached at WCole4@kent.edu. I believe viewers will truly enjoy the format of the program and be able to learn approaches to difficult cases that you might not have otherwise considered.

By the way, they will be having a live, in-person session at the SAWC Fall in Las Vegas, October 29–31 this year. If you are attending, consider submitting a case to be discussed at the meeting. It should be informative and fun. See you there!