VCW1106 - Systemic medication and wound healing

Leader(s): Sally Warmington

Offered

Parkville First semester 2009 (Off-campus)
Parkville Second semester 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

The unit will examine the effect of systemic medication on wound healing. A number of specific drug classes will be described and discussed in relation to wound healing looking especially at current evidence to support theoretical knowledge. Furthermore, medications used to treat wound complications such as infection and pain will be explored.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:

• Discuss common assumptions about medications and wound healing;
• Differentiate between medication, drug, medicine and nutrient and demonstrate an understanding medication classification;
• List the routes of medication administration and discuss the implications for absorption and effectiveness;
• Discuss pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics;
• Demonstrate an understanding of evidence based practice and its relationship to medication and wound healing;
• discuss common assumptions of how a medication may impact on wound healing
• Explore the theoretical rationale and clinical evidence of the impact of the following on wound healing;
1. corticosteroids
2. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
3. immunomodulating agents
4. cigarette smoking
5. pentoxifylline
• Use a systematic approach to critically appraise the clinical evidence on other agents such as phenytoin, oestrogen, dapsone, colchicine and anticoagulants
• Discuss the role of antibiotics in the management of wound infection;
• Discuss the management of pain associated with wounds, including:
1. types of pain
2. pain assessment
3. pain management using pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods
• Discuss the role of nutritional supplementation in wound healing.

Assessment

Minor assignment (30%), major written assignment (60%), participation in online tutorials (10%)

Prerequisites

VCW1101, VCW1102, VCW1103, VCW1104 and VCW1105