Teresa Hagens (global medical training manager for Hansaplast, Elastoplast, and Curitas) and licensed pharmacist and expert in wound care Sonja Kruenholz recently presented a webinar for Pharmacy Magazine on Advanced wound care made possible by Elastoplast. 

Delving into advanced wound care know how and practice for daily recommendation in pharmacy, the webinar aimed to bolster the knowledge of pharmacists and pharmacy assistants, equipping them with the latest insights into wound care management. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Evolving role of pharmacy professionals: With patients being discharged earlier from hospitals, there's a growing reliance on pharmacists for post-surgical care. This shift underscores the importance of pharmacists as trusted advisors in wound care, highlighting the need for continuous education and training in this field. 

• Types of wounds and appropriate care: Various wound types such as cuts, abrasions, and lacerations were discussed. Kruenholz stressed the importance of choosing the right wound care products to ensure effective healing and patient satisfaction. She also highlighted that while minor wounds like cuts and abrasions can often be self-treated, more severe lacerations and chronic wounds should be professionally managed. 

• Moist wound healing conditions: The benefits of maintaining moist conditions for wounds were discussed. Such conditions prevent crust formation and promote faster, more aesthetically pleasing healing. Products like polyurethane wound pads that support these conditions were recommended due to their ability to reduce scarring risk and suitability for sensitive skin. 

• Post-operative wound care: The importance of protecting wounds from infection and managing pain during the post-operative phase was emphasised. Kruenholz outlined a typical timeline for post-operative care, from initial dressing in the hospital to home care, including regular dressing changes and the use of sterile, waterproof dressings. 

• Role of pharmacists in wound care: Hagens concluded by reinforcing the critical role of pharmacy teams in advising patients on proper wound care, especially in the absence of direct doctor consultations. The discussion also covered specific products like Elastoplast sensitive and waterproof plasters, which are designed to protect the wound while being skin-friendly. 

The session provided valuable insights into the advancements and best practices in wound care, aiming to enhance the role of pharmacists in facilitating optimal healing outcomes for their patients.  

For those who missed the live session, a replay and additional resources are available to ensure all pharmacy professionals can benefit from the shared knowledge. Visit www.pharmacymagazine.co.za to watch the replay.