Scoping Review of Clinical Outcomes Related to Advanced Training in Wound Care.

INTRODUCTION: There are different levels of wound education which exist amongst healthcare providers treating wounds. It is unknown if advanced wound training can lead to improved clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: To review and summarize existing literature focused on the impact of different healthcare professionals with advanced wound care training and the associated effect of clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methods used to conduct this scoping review are based on the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. An electronic search was performed by independent reviewers using Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, Google, and EWMA. Consensus decision-making amongst the reviewers resulted in relevant final articles being selected for review.

RESULTS: In the literature, there is no universally accepted definition for advanced training in wound care. Seven of the eight selected articles focused on nurses with a specialization in wound healing and their impact on wound healing outcomes. The five main themes identified were wound improvement, cost savings, influence on other nurses, wound recurrence rate, and advanced education.

CONCLUSION: A minimum level of advanced training or education would be beneficial to ensure consistency in the provision of advanced wound care by professionals practicing wound care.