Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society Announces Top Products of 2013

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN®) is the leading resource for educational materials, guidelines and best practices in care related to wound, ostomy or continence (WOC) issues. During 2013, WOCN® witnessed a significant increase in the purchase of its products and practice documents, and recently revealed its most frequently downloaded and purchased products for each specialty.

We are extremely proud of our guides, fact sheets and best practice documents, says Phyllis Kupsick, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CWOCN, president of WOCN® Society. A lot of work goes into perfecting them so that we can provide WOC specialty nurses with the most current and correct information. We do this so that they, in turn, can provide the best care to their patients.

Wound

 Guideline for Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers This guideline provides consistent, evidence-based information about pressure ulcers, as well as an overview covering the background, significance and physiological aspects of pressure ulcers. Also presented is the etiology of pressure ulcers, overall management goals, and recommendations for prevention and treatment.

 Clean vs. Sterile Dressing Techniques for Mgmt of Chronic Wounds: A Fact Sheet - This document originated in 2001 as a joint position statement from WOCN® and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Its purpose is to review the evidence about clean vs. sterile technique and present approaches for chronic wound care management.  

 Ankle Brachial Index: Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians - This document provides relevant information about the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) including definition, limitations, indications, contraindications and guidelines, as well as a research-based protocol to use in performing the test and interpreting the results.

Ostomy

 Management of the Patient with a Fecal Ostomy This guideline supports clinical practice by providing consistent, research-based information designed to improve cost-effective patient outcomes and encourage ostomy-related research, driven by input from a panel of WOCN members and consulting colorectal surgeons. The publication covers the following areas: types of ostomies, stoma site marking, preoperative and postoperative patient education, pouching options and basic management, complications (Stoma and Peristomal) and interventions and how an ostomy impacts the patients quality of life.

 Basic Ostomy Skin Care: A Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers - This booklet, sold in packs of 10 in the WOCN® Bookstore, features 19 questions and answers from both patients and providers. Topics include changing the pouch, care of the skin and equipment and tips on a variety of products. This brochure helps patients with a new ostomy and is also a resource for healthcare providers who work with ostomy patients.

 Colostomy and Ileostomy Products and Tips: Best Practice for Clinicians - This document provides an overview of different types of products, pouching systems and accessories used to manage a colostomy or ileostomy, including information about advantages and disadvantages. It concludes with helpful tips for emptying drainable colostomy or ileostomy pouches.

Continence

 Incontinence Associated Dermatitis: Best Practice for Clinicians - This best practice document aims to pull together the best available evidence to address the issue of Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD), which is skin irritation and breakdown in the presence of urine, feces, and moisture. This resource, outlines the assessment, prevention and management of a health problem that may cause patient pain, embarrassment, additional healthcare costs and possibly severe complications.

 Suprapubic Catheter: Best Practice for Clinicians - Suprapubic catheters may be used in conditions associated with problems passing urine. However, some of the risks of having a suprapubic catheter include urinary tract infections, bladder irritation, allergic reactions, skin infections and formation of kidney stones. This publication outlines evidence-based healthcare strategies that will benefit the patient and hopefully minimize the occurrence of these risks.

Source: Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Societ