This course is aimed at Practice Nurses and will cover the aetiology and assessment of lower limb ulceration, with a focus on the assessment of peripheral vascular disease. It is a mix of theory and practical training, across 2 days, followed by a Multiple Choice Assessment.

N.B. Delegates will be required to remove their footwear, to allow for practice on each other during the practical element, please come prepared.

It would only be suitable for HCAs who are already experienced in basic foot pulse palpation and lower leg/foot wound care.  It would be the responsibility of the HCA’s GP practice to ensure ongoing monitoring and competency as well as adequate insurance cover for enhanced vascular assessment and decision making following the course.

This training will be held at Essex EQUIP in Witham.

Following the course, it is suggested that all students new to vascular assessment will need to undertake a period of shadowing and supervised practice with a clinical mentor experienced in lower limb ulceration management and vascular assessment.

N.B. Application of compression bandaging will NOT be covered within this course.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the mechanism of peripheral vascular disease development
• Understand the risk factors that contribute to peripheral vascular disease
• Gain knowledge of the clinical signs of peripheral vascular disease
• Gain confidence in the clinical assessment of lower limb pulses including handheld doppler skills and identification of pulse sounds
• Be able to undertake an ABPI assessment effectively
• Understand how to Interpret clinical assessment findings
• Gain knowledge of appropriate skin management of the lower limb
• Understand the different grades and types of compression available
• Gain confidence in the diagnostic criteria for peripheral arterial disease and referral pathways
• Be able to identify critical limb ischaemia and recognise the need for urgent treatment pathways