A survey of wound care knowledge in South Africa
Date
2010-12
Authors
Francois, Coetzee
Coetzee, Johan
Hagemeister, Dirk
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
Chronic wounds afflict millions worldwide, incurring significant
health care costs and chronic suffering. Clinicians are often unsure
about treatment, resulting in poor outcomes.
Objective. To determine the scope of knowledge possessed by fifthyear
medical students, general practitioners (GPs) and surgical registrars,
concerning chronic wound management.
Design. Cross-sectional study.
Methods. Deans of eight South African medical schools received letters
requesting information regarding time devoted to wound-care
training. Knowledge-based questionnaires were distributed to finalyear
students at two universities, surgical registrars at four universities
and GPs attending refresher courses.
Results. Four medical schools replied, of whom only two offered
formal teaching. 162 medical students, 45 GPs and 47 surgical registrars
completed questionnaires. The overall median (25th - 75th
percentiles) knowledge scores for registrars, GPs and students were
65% (55 - 70%), 55% (45 - 65%) and 45% (35 - 50%) respectively.
Whereas the scores of registrars and GPs did not differ, the student
scores were significantly less. Only 32% of registrars and 18% of
GPs attained scores of 70% or more. 96% considered training to be
inadequate. Interest in wound care was only mild to moderate, with
more GPs than registrars requesting literature.
Conclusions. Very little, if any, training on chronic wounds is offered
in South Africa. The levels of knowledge cannot be considered adequate
for successful treatment, nor for teaching to undergraduates.
This preliminary study cannot reflect the attitudes and knowledge
throughout the country. However, it is clear that there is a need for
improved education about these conditions that have huge clinical
and economic consequences.
Description
CITATION: Coetzee, F. Coetzee, J. & Hagemeister, D. 2010. A survey of wound care knowledge in South Africa. African Journal of Health Professions Education, 2(2):9-13, doi:10.7196/ajhpe.64.
The original publication is available at http://www.ajhpe.org.za/index.php/ajhpe/article/view/64/28
The original publication is available at http://www.ajhpe.org.za/index.php/ajhpe/article/view/64/28
Keywords
Chronic wound care, Improper wound care, Recurring wounds -- Treatment, Non-healing wounds -- Treatment
Citation
Coetzee, F. Coetzee, J. & Hagemeister, D. 2010. A survey of wound care knowledge in South Africa. African Journal of Health Professions Education, 2(2):9-13, doi:10.7196/ajhpe.64.