session teaser
Topic 1
Complex wounds, medical conditions and the impact on healing
Facilitated by Comcare’s Strategic Programs team
Early in practice, every wound can appear complex. With clinical experience, however, it becomes easier to recognise what is typical for many different wound categories and what is not. As the saying goes, look for the common before searching for the unusual.
As experienced and advanced clinicians, you are attending this Summer School to question established knowledge and explore better ways to identify the root cause of wound complexity.
We begin with the fundamentals: past medical and surgical history, medications, and psychological history, then focus on the wound itself: when it began, how it has changed, who is primarily responsible for its care, who else has been consulted, and whether its presentation is typical for the diagnosis you have considered.
Even for experienced clinicians, many wound types and presentations may warrant particular concern and while this list is endless, the following will be considered in this session:
- Fungating wounds: odour, haemorrhage, exudate
- Malignant wounds (not only fungating)
- Fistulae, draining wounds, sinus tracts
- Complex surgical wound dehiscence
- Atypical wounds, such as
o HidradenitisSuppurativa--HS
o Calciphylaxis –calcinosis
o Injectable wounds
This session will explore these wound types, including how to identify and manage key issues, who to contact for support, what questions to ask, and how to challenge outdated assumptions. Clinicians with a strong interest in wound complexity will present perspectives on the past, present, and future of managing complex wounds. Importantly we have an invited consumer presenting her case and sharing her journey as well as providing opportunities to speak with her over the Summer School duration.
The session will run for two hours, with 90 minutes of presentations followed by a short break to reflect, discuss, and prepare for a panel discussion.
Although we may not have all the answers, the conversations will continue throughout the two days of Summer School and by learning from one another, we can take practical insights back to our workplaces to support the management of individuals with complex wounds.
Topic 2
understanding the psychological and social impact of chronic wounds
Facilitated by Comcare’s Strategic Programs team
In 2025, the AWSA Summer School explored the powerful connection between mind and body. In 2027, we will take this important conversation further by examining the often-overlooked psychological and social impact of living with a chronic wound.
How do chronic wounds influence stress, anxiety, social connection and the experience of pain? How might neurodivergence or mental health challenges affect an individual’s wound care journey? And why might a person living with dementia communicate pain, discomfort or distress differently?
This engaging session will explore the experiences of a diverse range of individuals, including people living with neurodivergence, mental
health challenges and dementia. It will also consider the significant impact that chronic wounds can have on families and carers.
Moving from understanding to practical action, participants will explore effective communication strategies to support positive behaviour change and consider how trauma-informed care can be incorporated into wound management.
The session will conclude with practical tips, assessment tools and referral strategies that wound practitioners can apply in everyday practice to better recognise psychosocial needs, respond with confidence and provide truly person-centred care.
About AWSA
The Australian Wound & Skin Alliance is an alliance of wound clinicians and researchers who are passionate about collaboration, critical inquiry, discussion, debate and learning. The Alliance was formed through a bond of dedication and commitment to foster an environment where clinicians have opportunities for mentorship, understanding of ethical practices and to develop friendships and networks.
#AWSA2027
