The impact of postgraduate wound care qualifications on clinical practice, confidence and career progression ::results from a global survey

Aim : This study evaluates the impact of postgraduate wound care qualifications on healthcare professionals’ education, clinical practice, and career progression. It examines how advanced training enhances professional confidence, skill integration, and adherence to best-practice guidelines. Additionally, it identifies barriers to education, assesses self-perceived confidence in wound management, and compares career outcomes across countries. Finally, it explores differences between barriers in implementing knowledge in the workplace between geographical regions. Methods : An international cross-sectional survey was conducted in a convenience sample of healthcare professionals who had completed postgraduate wound care education. Participants were recruited through social media, professional networks, peak bodies and associations. The survey included quantitative and qualitative components, assessing career outcomes, barriers and enablers to study, self-perceived confidence, and the application of acquired knowledge. Descriptive statistics and one-way between groups analysis of variance analysis (ANOVA) were performed for quantitative data and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Results : A total of 178 health professionals from 27 countries completed the survey. Postgraduate education was found to substantially enhance clinical confidence and decision-making, with 93% (n=166) of participants considering their qualification relevant and 90% (n=160) reporting it met their expectations. Career progression was reported to be enhanced with 33% (n=60) gaining a competitive advantage in obtaining their current role. However, barriers to completing formal study, such as competing work and study demands (68%, n=121), course costs (48%, n=86), and limited study leave (37%, n=66) were frequently reported. Knowledge implementation was reported to be restricted by institutional resistance and restricted access to advanced wound care products. Conclusion : Postgraduate wound care education plays a crucial role in enhancing clinical competency and contributes to career development. However, financial constraints limit accessibility of education and institutional barriers limit implementation of new knowledge. Addressing these challenges through credentialing and benchmarking, increased institutional support, and policy changes could optimise the benefits of postgraduate education and strengthen evidence-based wound care practices globally. Future research should assess its long-term impact on patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.