We aimed to investigate the learning needs of general practitioners and their preferences as regards the most appropriate teaching session for continuing medical education in wound management. A survey targeting general practitioners at the public health centres in the City of Helsinki. Twenty-seven general practitioners participated in the study. The majority (74.1%) had received education in medical school, 40.7% from wound care nurses, and 40.7% from colleagues. Participants felt the most competent in wound diagnosis (59.3%) and etiological tests (55.6%) and requested training in these topics (74.1% and 74.1%). A peer-led lecture (88.9%) was the most preferred technique, followed by lectures by wound care nurses (55.6%), an educational video (44.4%), a specialist-led lecture (37.0%), an interactive wound product session (29.6%), and digital self-study (29.6%). Wound diagnostics and etiological tests are recognised as crucial topics for continuing medical education. Peer-led lectures were preferred over other techniques; however, we observed varying preferences regarding the most optimal technique. Based on our results, we propose a half-day training including lectures, interactive and hands-on activities, and reflection, led by a peer and a wound care nurse with supporting video materials. Future studies could assess its impact on learning outcomes and wound care quality.
This study investigates cortical reorganisation and hemodynamic responses in individuals with lower extremity amputation and replantation using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). A total of 15 healthy controls, four left lower limb amputees and one replantation patient were included. Oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) activations were measured during 10 unilateral lower limb motor tasks (toe, ankle, knee and hip movements). Non-parametric analyses revealed significant differences in cortical activation between amputees and controls, particularly during knee flexion and extension. Three-dimensional contrast maps demonstrated that oxy-Hb activity in amputees extended from the M1-leg area into somatosensory regions, reflecting neuroplastic remapping. In contrast, the replantation patient exhibited activation patterns closer to the control group, especially in knee and hip tasks. These findings indicate that fNIRS can sensitively capture hemispheric dynamics during unilateral lower limb movements and highlight neuroplastic adaptations following amputation and replantation. Such insights may guide future neuroprosthetic design and rehabilitation strategies.