311418 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Course overview

Discusses hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), including the history of hyperbaric chambers, effects of HBOT, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society’s (UHMS) accepted indications, and the effects of HBOT on biofilm. Due to multiple factors, such as increased rates of obesity and diabetes, the number of individuals requiring wound care is increasing in the population. More than 6.5 million individuals are affected by chronic wounds in the US, posing great challenges to healthcare systems such as increased costs and use of resources. HBOT is becoming increasingly utilized in healthcare settings as an adjunctive therapy for many patients with wounds that are ischemic and/or infected, most particularly diabetic foot ulcers. Education regarding HBOT is not standard in many healthcare facilities, and nurses caring for individuals who are receiving HBOT may be unaware of contraindications and nursing care and considerations related to the therapy. Education regarding best practices for HBOT is essential for any healthcare worker caring for individuals receiving treatment. This program discusses hyperbaric oxygen therapy, including its history, beneficial effects, indications for, side effects, contraindications, and how it can be used in the treatment of biofilm.