This course focuses on biopsies, haemostasis and halo grafting relating to skin cancer medicine. Participants will learn about monopolar and bipolar modes of cautery, including pros and cons of each mode. Electrical and fire risks of cautery are mentioned. The unit concludes with haemostasis options for punch and shave biopsy. Procedures and sizes of punch biopsies are given in addition to the use of marini sutures for biopsy closure if required.
The second unit looks at shave biopsies and shave excisions. Attention is paid to using shave excisions for excising melanoma. The technique explains the advantages and limitations of halo grafting, and lists the three skin graft phases - plasmatic imbibition, Inosculation and neovascularization. Clinical diagrams, mathematical equations and recordings are provided. The final section of this unit outlines suitable dressings and dressing changes. Recordings of procedures on pigskin and in the clinical setting are provided.
Contact hours:
4.00
Pre/Post hours:
2.50
Total hours:
6.50
Total hours includes:
Case study hours:
5.00
Pre/Post activity
The pre-course reflective activity provides an opportunity to reflect on their current understanding and why they want to improve their knowledge and skills. Researching an article and documenting it provides additional reflection and a learning opportunity prior to commencing the course. The reinforcing activity is designed for GPs to reflect on key learning points from the course, how they have started to implement learning into their clinical practice and future plans in this area.
Learning objectives
- Plan how to conduct safe incisions and maintain
haemostasis while performing minor procedures including biopsies, grafts and
excisions.
- Establish the necessary steps to perform safe curettage and cautery on low-risk small lesions.
Assessment information
Successfully complete 13 Knowledge based MCQs (80% pass).
Successfully complete 13 Applied Knowledge MCQs (80% pass).
Exams are based on the course content. Exams can be repeated and are open book. Exams do not have to be completed in one sitting.
Informal self-assessment of current knowledge.
Additional information
- HealthCert has implemented a unique interactivity
tool that allows videos to include captions and the learner to search any word
spoken in the lecture and go directly to that slide.
- Interactive case discussions (research, view other
responses, review answers and opportunity to discuss among other
participants).
- Regular interactive tutorials to discuss cases, speak
to a subject matter expert and ask questions in real time. Participants are
encouraged to attend at least one tutorial. The tutorials provide an
opportunity to review performance with other participants and the tutorial
leader.
- Participants will have at least 12 months
continued access content.
- Participants are encouraged to contact HealthCert and ask questions throughout the course.