Skin Anatomy and Assessment for the Patient with a Wound

Course Description:

This course is designed for therapists seeking to deepen their understanding of skin anatomy and its critical role in wound assessment and management. Participants will explore the intricate structure of the skin, identifying each layer—epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue—and their cellular components. The course will connect the function of these cells to the broader role of the integumentary system in protection, sensation, thermoregulation, and healing.
Learners will gain insight into the classification of tissue injury based on the depth of skin loss, enhancing their ability to differentiate between superficial, partial-thickness, and full-thickness wounds. The course will also cover the normal phases of wound healing, highlighting the physiological processes and timelines involved.
Finally, participants will review the essential components of a thorough wound evaluation. This knowledge will empower clinicians to perform accurate assessments and develop effective, evidence-based treatment plans.

Methods of Instruction:

Online audio/video course

Course Instructor:

Judith E. Thichava PT, DPT, CWS

Judith Thichava was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She pursued her higher education at Husson University in Maine, where she obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Judith became a licensed physical therapist in 2013 and started her career as a travel/contract PT, marking the beginning of a dedicated and impactful career in healthcare. Shortly after, Judith transitioned to a level 1 and academic hospital where her journey in wound care began. Her commitment to excellence and continuous learning led her to achieve specialization as a Certified Wound Specialist with the American Board of Wound Management in 2016.

Disclosures:

Financial: The course presenter receives an honorarium from AdvantageCEUs.com. The presenter has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: The presenter has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Sponsor: It is the policy of AdvantageCEUs.com not to accept commercial support.
Content: This course does not focus solely on any specific product or service.

Target Audience:

Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Athletic Trainers.

Educational Level:

Intermediate

Prerequisites:

None

Course Goals and Objectives:

At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Recognize diagnostic indicators of the skin
2. Differentiate between the dermis and epidermis and their subsequent functions
3. Identify nutrients important to maintain skin health
4. Differentiate between the cell types and their roles in normal wound healing
5. Differentiate between the stages of wound healing: Hemostasis, Inflammation, Proliferation, and Remodeling
6. Recognize different types of scars by characteristic and photographs
7. Identify chronic wounds: characteristics, lab values, systemic factors, and local factors
8. Differentiate between types of chronic wounds: venous, diabetic, arterial, and pressure
9. Organize how to perform a detailed evaluation of the wound, including: initial assessment, patient history, wound location and type, wound size and depth, wound bed characteristics, documentation, and treatment
10. Organize a treatment plan based on the evaluation that will utilize therapy to return the patient to their pre-wound status and meet their individual occupational and leisure goals

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

A score of 70% or greater on the post-test