Prepare, apply and attach dressings, wound supports and drains to individuals
Overview
This standard covers assisting with the preparation and application of dressings, wound supports and drains following surgical intervention.
You will be working in a ‘scrubbed’ role whilst undertaking these activities.
All actions and decisions should be carried out in accordance with current legislation, organisational policies, clinical protocols, and professional standards.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in preparing, applying and attaching dressings, wound supports and drains to individuals
P2. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
P3. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
P4. select and prepare an appropriate dressing or wound support to suit the size and type of wound
P5. use suitable non-allergenic dressings where individual allergies have been identified
P6. prepare specified drains ready for use
P7. apply or attach the dressing, wound support or drain:
a. using appropriate techniques
b. in line with manufacturer's instructions
c. in a manner which optimises the individual's comfort and dignity and minimises pain and trauma
P8. maintain the sterility of the sterile dressing or wound support prior to and during application and check that:
a. the pressure exerted by the dressing or wound support is consistent with the type of wound
b. drains are secured effectively and appropriately
c. vacuum seals on drains are intact
d. drains are positioned to prevent inappropriate syphonage and/or individual harm
P9. complete all relevant documentation required for preparing, applying and attaching dressings, wound supports and drains to individuals in accordance with organisational requirements.
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. the current legislation, local guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
K4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
K6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
K7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual
K8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others and preparation and application of dressings, wound supports and drains and the of potential consequences of poor practice
K9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K10. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
K11. the principles of wound healing
K12. potential complications of wound healing
a. asepsis
b. antisepsis
c. cross infection
K13. how the surgical field contributes to the control of infection
K14. potential sources of contamination when preparing surgical fields and appropriate measures to reduce or deal with them
K15. the types and action of pathogens specific to the individual and wound infection
K16. the types, purpose and function of medical devices used in the application of dressings, wound supports and drains
K17. factors which affect the choice of medical devices for individuals
K18. the specific lines of accountability within the surgical team
K19. how to complete records and reports required for preparing, applying and attaching dressings, wound supports and drains to individuals in accordance with organisational requirements