Title: Southeast District -  Soft Tissue Infections Associated with People Who Inject Drugs

Speakers: Karen A. Wientjes, PT, DPT, MPH, CWS 

Course Description: Soft tissue skin infections are one of the primary reasons people who inject drugs (PWID) interact with the healthcare system. With the rise in fentanyl, there has been a notable increase in patients with extensive soft tissue wounds presenting to PT clinics. This session will open with the current state of the public health crisis and common bacterial infections associated with injection use. Clinical presentations of this type of wound etiology and first-response care will be reviewed. Discussion will include PT's role in treating people who inject drugs, including infection prevention, debridement and biophysical interventions, and skin and wound hygiene education. Underpinning the presentation, will be an emphasis on reducing stigma and becoming more comfortable discussing injection practices and wound care measures that support harm reduction.

Contact Hour: Pending

Register Here