Report of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) to the 2013 ANA Membership Assembly

Organization Overview: The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN), founded in 1968, is a professional international nursing society of more than 4,800 nurse professionals who are experts in the care of patients with wound, ostomy, tube, and continence conditions. Wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nursing is a multifaceted, evidence-based specialty practice incorporating a unique body of knowledge to provide excellence in prevention, health maintenance, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitative nursing care to persons with select disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and integumentary systems. This complex, interdependent specialty encompasses the care of all patient populations across the continuum of care and all settings of care. While serving in pivotal roles as direct care providers, managers/administrators, educators, researchers, and consultants, WOC nurses direct their efforts at guiding optimal patient care that improves the quality of life for individuals with WOC concerns and achieves positive clinical outcomes. Year in Review: Ongoing Resources for our Members: Developed A-Typical Wounds Part I, II, II Online Continuing Education Series Developed Peristomal Hernia Prevention, Treatment and Maintenance: Best Practice for Clinicians Developed Diagnosis/Treatment Incontinence Associated Dermatitis Best Practice for Clinicians Revised our Clinical Practice Guidelines: Lower Extremity Neuropathic Disease Developed Magnet Recognition and the Role of the WOC Nurse Created second edition Professional Practice Manual Developed the Role and Scope of Practice for Wound Care Providers Launched the Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Program. Developed WOCN Public Policy and Advocacy Health Care Agenda: Developed Reimbursement of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Services: A Fact Sheet Created Understanding Medicare Part B Incident to Billing: A Fact Sheet Conducted a WOC Nurse Leadership orientation for public policy and advocacy Collaborated on HR Resolution 152; focused on access to ostomy supplies and reimbursement. Collaboration with affiliated consumer groups for the continued funding of ostomy supplies Collaborative Initiatives: Participated as a NQF member including representation on GI/GU Measurement Panel Participated on the Congress in Nursing and Practice Economics Committee Participated as an ANA Organizational Affiliate member Participated with the American College of Surgeons to develop an ostomy skills kit

Research & Scholarships: Participated in the National Nursing Research Roundtable. Published the results from our Outcome Study: The Effectiveness of the WOC Nurse Awarded 12 small clinical research grants Awarded 20 scholarships for WOC nursing education and advanced practice education. Plans for the Future: Increase educational offerings for advanced practice nurses. Devise a variety of strategies to provide web based wound, ostomy and continence continuing educational programs. Increase the toolset to empower members in their practice. Publish research to demonstrate impact of specialty wound, ostomy and continence nurses patient outcomes. Continue to advance the WOC practice and increase awareness of the value of the WOC nurse. Continue to advocate for access to quality care and access to supplies for consumers with wound, ostomy and continence issues. Concluding Comments: The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society are honored to be a part of ANAs Organizational Affiliates. It is with pleasure that we share some of our accomplishments within the last year with our nursing colleagues.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society 15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 1-888-224-WOCN (9626) Fax: 856-439-0525