E-learning in wound care: developing pressure ulcer prevention education

Patients with pressure ulcers suffer pain and distress from wounds that can require treatment for many months following discharge from hospital (Havard, 2007). This initial and ongoing treatment accounts for around four per cent of the NHS annual budget (Bennett et al, 2004), therefore pressure ulcer prevention and management is beneficial not only to patients but also the NHS. Education for healthcare professionals is an important factor in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers; however, in the current climate releasing staff to attend study days is becoming difficult. In some locations staff have to travel long distances in order to attend while locally-based study days are poorly attended. Developing e-based learning was seen as a realistic option for nurses working in Trust within a large geographical area.