NURS07 WOUNDED – Improving WOUND outcomEs for people with Dementia

Overview

Wound care research informing EB practice and clinical guidelines has largely excluded older adults with dementia. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) in aged care facilities are comprised mainly of nurses and carers, who have been identified as lacking EB wound care knowledge and skills. Thus, there is an urgent need for EB resources to be translated to this specific population to guide wound care practices for older adults with dementia.

The issue of wound care in aged care is an urgent need as detailed in the 2019 interim report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety1 which revealed many unacceptable practices, including in wound care resulting in septicaemia and death in people in aged care facilities. Living with wounds is associated with pain, a need for frequent health care, with wounds often remaining unhealed for years, leading to decreased QoL. Chronic wounds affect up to 3% of adults over 65 years and have a major financial impact. However, resources for wound care specifically for older adults with dementia have been underdeveloped and under investigated.

This research aims to improve wound care in people with dementia. This overall program of research will 1) involve key stakeholders including experienced interdisciplinary health care professionals (HCPs), industry and consumer involvement, and will 2) test the utility of newly developed resources and a co-designed intervention in dementia specific aged care facilities.

Research engagement

The student will be involved in:

1. Surveys

2. Focus groups

3. Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data

Research activities

The student would be involved in:

1. Data collection
2. Analysing data collected from participants in this research study
3. Write up of results

Outcomes

Research experience and the opportunity to be involved in attending the Wound Research Advancement Group meetings and being involved in the larger research group.  A final short report will be expected and a short  presentation to the wound group.

Skills and experience

Nil required, although understanding of SPSS would be beneficial.

Start date

1 November, 2024

End date

21 February, 2025

Location

Kelvin Grove - N Block

Additional information

The student will be provided with a desk and computer and access to resources for searching the literature and data analysis.

The student will be based in the same work area as the supervisory team, who will be available each day to guide and assist.

Keywords

• Wound Care
• Dementia

Contact

Associate Professor Christina Parker ph: 31389757

christina.parker@qut.edu.au