Congress highlights: Focus on streams & themes
Understanding that wound care professionals have different levels of experience, unique requirements for continuing education, and personal areas of interest, Congress 2008 is all about choice. With 10 concurrent evidence based streams featuring more than 100 educational sessions, delegates have the ability to design a program of learning ideally suited to their needs. In addition, there are 6 themes woven throughout the streams including infection, evidence education, quality of life, health care systems, local wound care, and research that can also be followed.
The Congress will feature free papers from 150 wound care professionals on a variety of topics from global perspectives and research to infection, malignant and inflammatory wounds, surgical wounds, and patient perspectives. And there will be 200 key opinion leaders in the field of wound care participating to ensure delegates receive the most current clinical information available as well as training in best practices that can be applied to invigorate your wound care practice.
With a stimulating pre‐conference day, three plenary sessions featuring internationally acknowledged speakers, and the world’s largest wound care trade exhibition, there truly is something for everyone at this unique conference.
Don’t wait. Register today for Congress 2008 at www.worldunion2008.com.
Stream 1: Pressure ulcers
If your interest is Pressure Ulcers then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that will allow you to focus exclusively on this area with sessions discussing:
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Prevalence & incidence definitions and methods as well as global trends and comparison – are we measuring the same thing?
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Tools, individual factors, and clinical judgment in risk assessment, exploring the question of whether stage 1 should be considered an ulcer or a risk factor.
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Evidence‐supported risk‐based pressure ulcer prevention strategies including the challenges faced in implementing ongoing pressure ulcer prevention programs.
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An analysis of the evidence for skin health including differential diagnosis – pressure ulcer or incontinence dermatitis – as well as skin protection and care.
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The EPUAP grading system with study results exploring how accurately clinicians classify ulcers; a presentation of the updated NPUAP staging system including clinical implications and challenges; the worldwide implications in the reliability, validity, similarities, and differences in classifications.
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New methods of early detection for friction and pressure ulcers; how shear contributes to pressure ulcer formation; and an update on the International Standards Organization (ISO) initiative.
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Evidence based strategies for positioning and pressure redistribution including the characteristics and features of support surfaces and the influence of temperature and moisture.
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Wound Bed Preparation and the role of debridement; cleansing and dressings; and infection and inflammation components of pressure ulcer care.
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Clarity and gaps in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment evidence including dilemmas and consensus building.
“Because pressure ulcers are one of the most common wounds we treat yet can usually be prevented with proper attention, it’s critical for care providers to remain current with new approaches, awareness programs, and treatment options,” said Dr Janet Cuddigan, Pressure Ulcer Co‐Captain. “By attending this stream, delegates will learn from the evidence base, have the opportunity to share their knowledge, and come away with new ideas to invigorate their practice.”
Stream 2: Diabetic foot ulcers
If your interest is Diabetic Foot Ulcers then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that will allow you to focus exclusively on this area with sessions discussing:
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Epidemiology including the instance of ulceration and amputation, the impact on a patient’s quality of life, and the costs to healthcare systems in the U.S. and abroad.
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Risk assessment such as neuropathy, circulation, smoking, and obesity that can predict the potential occurrence of an ulcer. Risk factors will be based on current studies available in the literature at this time.
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Peripheral Arterial disease and amputation focusing on common predictors, costs associated, and the types and levels of amputation undertaken.
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What makes a wound chronic, the definitions of a chronic wound and how they are different from other wounds.
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Infection as the major cause of limb loss and what the risk factors are for diabetics.
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How to properly assess diabetic foot ulcers through a thorough examination.
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An in‐depth look at the different surgical approaches available for foot ulcer management including what works, what doesn’t, what is truly effective, and new approaches.
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The prevention of diabetic foot ulcers including education of healthcare providers and patients about the risk factors, current approaches, and how to stop the problem before it starts.
“Diabetic foot disorders are a growing problem around the world and are the most common reason for lower extremity amputations,” said Dr. Robert Frykberg, Diabetic Foot Ulcer Stream Captain. “With the world’s leading experts at Congress 2008 to discuss current trends in treatment and the epidemiology of foot ulcers, you simply do not want to miss this opportunity.”
Stream 3: Ostomy/Continence/Skin Care
If your interest is Ostomy/Continence/Skin Care then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that will allow you to focus exclusively on this area with sessions discussing:
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The implications of urinary or fecal diversion on a patient’s quality of life including the conceptual, definition, measurement, scale development, and selected research.
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Challenges facing Bariatric patients with Ostomy from a global perspective looking at co‐morbidity and risks, pre‐planning for care, and placement, visualization and pouching using a case study approach.
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Risk factors for incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD); current evidence regarding the relationship between IAD and pressure ulcer development; differential assessment of IAD versus other types of skin ulceration; strategies for prevention of IAD, with a strong focus on strategies to minimize incontinence episodes; and guidelines for accurate assessment and management of several types of dermatitis.
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The results of a national working group formed by the Canadian Association of Enterostomal Therapy to develop the first recommendations for the holistic care of this patient population with challenging Enterocutaneous Fistulas.
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The sequential phases of the trans‐cultural validation methodology for the translation of the Braden Scale into French.
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The role and impact ET nursing has on chronic wound management in the community in terms of cost‐management, best practices, and patient outcomes.
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The scope of practice and valued contributions from The Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy, The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society, and the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists in the provision of specialized, expert, high quality care for individuals with wound, ostomy or continence needs.
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Three Nursing Association’s respective contributions around the world.
“E.T./WOCN Nurses are specialized in the areas of wound, ostomy and continence. They are an important part of the interdisciplinary team because their expertise brings value to the clinical setting, education, research, and health system economics,” explained Catherine Harley, Stream Captain. “This educational stream will offer an evidence based approach which will assist participants in delivering best practices for improved patient outcomes.”
Stream 4: Leg ulcers
If your interest is Leg Ulcers then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that will allow you to focus exclusively on this area with sessions discussing:
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Leg ulcer trends and differential diagnosis within different geographical areas including Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia.
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Venous ulcers including the examination and evaluation of local wounds, post‐thrombotic syndrome, using compression effectively, and surgical options for treatment.
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An examination of Arterial ulcers from nursing, surgical, and medical perspectives with a view to the future and the development of new treatment options.
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Lymphedema and its link to obesity as well as discussions around manual lymphatic drainage and other treatments.
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The scientific assessment of leg wounds using micro‐vascular and blood flow assessments, size and polymetry, as well as an exploration of specialized technologies and devices.
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Difficulties surrounding the effective evaluation and treatment of inflammatory leg ulcers.
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The surgical management of leg ulcer care across settings.
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The link between genetic diseases and leg ulcers.
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Local wound care including the use and efficacy of antimicrobial and active dressings as well as natural products such as honey and maggots.
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Advanced therapies utilizing technology and devices that have demonstrated efficacy and are able to produce a positive reaction in wounds not responding to conventional treatment protocols.
“As the World Union of Wound Healing Societies meets only every four years this is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of this outstanding scientific program by learning from the best of the best in opinion leaders from around the world,” stated Dr. Marco Romanelli Leg Ulcer Stream Captain.
Stream 5: Acute wounds
If your interest is Acute Wounds then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that will allow you to focus exclusively on this area with sessions discussing:
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Burns with a particular focus on classification, prevention and treatment.
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Burn prevention and infection education.
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Insight into scarring as a result of burns and in patients undergoing surgery will be gained from a session on effective prevention and treatment options.
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Complications surrounding surgical wounds such as surgical site infection. Several sessions will explore the incidence of these complications, more effective treatment and their prevention.
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Specialized surgical procedures including everything from orthopedic to cardiac as well as plastics & reconstruction.
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The treatment of acute wounds resulting from traumatic injury.
“Acute wounds are often as equally challenging to prevent and treat as chronic wounds as they present some similar issues, as well as those unique to their particular aetiology,” said Prof David Leaper, Acute Wound Stream Captain. “The highly diverse specialties of the International Faculty of the Acute Wound Stream at the 2008 Congress will ensure an exciting and interesting focus on acute wounds from prevention and treatment to promising new approaches.”
Focus on Stream 6: Complex wounds
If your interest is Complex Wounds then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that will allow you to focus exclusively on this area with sessions discussing:
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The common problem of complex wounds through the sharing of information, best practices, and innovative approaches with a view to finding effective treatment solutions.
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Palliative, malignant, complex or unusual wounds in terms of quality of life, effective treatment, and new approaches.
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The effective prevention and treatment of complex wounds resulting from regional issues such as tropical disease and infection. With the world becoming smaller and smaller the boundaries become blurred and often these become global issues.
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The resolution of complex situations through effective education and communication, including clinical trials.
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Managing patient and caregiver expectations in respect to non‐healable wounds.
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What the future holds in terms of technological advances to make a patient’s life more bearable in the area of genetic disorders such as EB.
This stream will be principally delivered through a combination of expert faculty and free papers submitted to the Congress.
“Complex wounds are complicated by nature and solutions are often experiential, however these types of wounds don’t necessarily require complex solutions,” said Prof Finn Gottrup, Complex Wound Stream Captain. “Communication and the sharing of experience, evidence, and effective treatments can reduce the intricacy and simplify the approach.”
Stream 7: Global perspectives
If your interest is Worldly and Global then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that will allow you to focus exclusively on this area with sessions discussing:
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The global perspective in wound care including common problems, international evidence, and solutions that can be applied around the world.
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Issues surrounding reimbursement, guideline implementation, setting up a wound care clinic or association. Learn how some in the world have approached these problems and have implemented successful solutions. By sharing our collective experience we help others avoid the pitfalls previously experienced by others.
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Patient empowerment through identification of cultural differences, quality of life, and education.
This stream will be principally delivered through a combination of expert faculty and free papers submitted to the Congress.
“One Problem – One Voice is an appropriate slogan for Congress 2008. Throughout my 30 year career I have traveled around the world and been exposed to the many problems faced by wound care practitioners and patients, as well as being actively involved in attempting to rectify some of the problems found in the Developing World with well known workers in these countries” said Dr George Cherry and Global Perspectives Stream Captain. “What is most interesting is the commonality of the issues and the solutions being applied – sometimes the similarities were frightening!”
Stream 8: Free papers
If your interest is more general then we have a comprehensive, free paper stream that will allow you to hear diverse subject matter from your peers, and if you have had your abstract accepted as an oral presentation, the opportunity to share:
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This stream will be principally delivered through a combination of expert faculty and free papers submitted to the Congress.
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It’s your chance to share your experience and to listen to that of others – using your One Voice.
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Latest research, latest products, latest news and latest views from most of the major areas in wound care – its all here.
“One Problem – One Voice says it all,” said Dr Elizabeth Ayello, Congress Co‐Chair and Congress representative for this stream. “Sharing our experience and evidence, including expert opinion, is the way forward for the acceptance of wound care as a clinical specialty and a session you don’t want to miss.”
Stream 9: Canadian perspectives in wound care
If you’re interested in starting a Wound Care Association in your country, we have a comprehensive stream that addresses wound care standards and differences nationally and provincially, professional issues, and more including:
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How the Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) began, its evolution, and lessons learned.
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A discussion of the impact of prevention programs in wound care and the success of the Pressure Ulcer Awareness Program.
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Understanding the dynamics of a multidisciplinary team approach to wound care and how it impacts patient outcomes.
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The value of Certification programs for career advancement and how to develop the education tools required including e‐Learning and practicum.
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Practical coping strategies to deal with burnout.
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An in‐depth look at the issues affecting the Canadian Aboriginal community such as special health concerns within the population (diabetes, alcoholism, obesity), traditional healing approaches (natural, holistic, spiritual), and how to be culturally sensitive while maintaining a high quality of wound care treatment.
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The status of Canadian research, looking at how nurses can conduct clinical research at the bedside, and an overview of research currently underway.
“The world union coming to Canada is a once in a lifetime experience for wound healers and not to be missed. We are proud of the work we have done at the CAWC and believe that delegates will gain valuable insight our approach and success,” explained Cathy Burrows, CAWC President.
Stream 10: Research stream
If your interest is Research then we have a comprehensive, free paper stream that will allow you to hear diverse subject matter from your peers, and if you have had your abstract accepted as an oral presentation, the opportunity to share:
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This stream will be principally delivered through a combination of expert faculty and free papers submitted to the Congress.
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It’s your chance to share your experience and to listen to that of others – using your One Voice.
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Latest research, latest products, latest news and latest views from most of the major areas in wound care – its all here.
“Research is fundamental to the development of future treatment strategies, enabling us to understand the issues and evaluate our approaches for positive outcomes,” said Prof Greg Schultz, Research Stream Captain. “Wound care mechanisms are still being understood, leading to the development of exciting new approaches such as genetic engineering or point of care diagnostics. This stream will provide and insight into these and other exciting research arenas.”
Focus on themes
In addition, there are 6 themes woven throughout the streams including infection, evidence education, quality of life, health care systems, local wound care, and research that can be followed as well. If a comprehensive stream does not meet your requirements then why not create a program based on a theme that runs through all 10 streams.
Focus on infection
If your interest is Infection then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that runs across all of the streams and will allow you to focus exclusively on this particular topic with sessions discussing:
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Infection in leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers and a variety of other wound types.
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The impact of infection on treatment protocols, healing, quality of life, and other wound care events and procedures.
“Infection is a common problem faced by wound care providers and can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients,” said Heather Orsted, Congress Co‐Chair. “As all of us deal with this at one time or another with our patients, it is important to stay current with the up‐to‐date evidence and treatment protocols found in this theme across the streams.”
Focus on evidence‐education
If your interest is Evidence or Education, or indeed both, then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that runs across all of the streams and will allow you to focus exclusively on this particular topic with sessions discussing:
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Key components in raising wound care awareness in clinical acceptance and prominence.
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Evidence based health care delivery and how, as caregivers, we can contribute to the evidence base on an ongoing basis, sharing our common experience. A systematic approach to creating and gathering evidence is critical in the development of a medical specialty and also for acceptance by payers globally.
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The tools and approaches required to both educate wound care providers around the world and empower them to gather and publish evidence.
“Evidence is the foundation for Congress 2008 and as a result will feature prominently across our streams as a major theme. The serious education offered will become the building blocks for the creation, evaluation, and dissemination of the evidence for the implementation of best practices in wound care.” said Prof Gary Sibbald, Congress Chair.
Focus on quality of life
If your interest is Quality of Life across the globe then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that runs across all of the streams and will allow you to focus exclusively on this particular topic with sessions discussing:
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How to understand and evaluate Quality of Life (QoL) including the issues, its impact on patients, and ways to empower patients to take control of their situation for better outcomes.
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The patient’s perspective of QoL in order to ensure they are a part of the team and have a voice in their treatment and care.
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How common patient issues can lead to solutions that can be used by wound care providers globally.
“Quality of Life issues are common problems faced by patients on an ongoing basis and, as practitioners, we need to understand this and work towards ensuring treatment will have as minimal an impact as possible,” said Heather Orsted, Congress Co‐Chair. “If any part of our caring has a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life it is our responsibility to understand the implications and find effective ways to reduce or eliminate it.”
Focus on health care systems
If your interest is Health Care Systems across the globe then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that runs across all of the streams and will allow you to focus exclusively on this particular topic with sessions discussing:
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How reimbursement is a global issue facing most health care systems. The World Union has an ongoing initiative, started shortly after Paris in 2004, looking at reimbursement concerns and current results will be presented here and also during a satellite session at the beginning of the Congress.
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Evidence based health care delivery and how, as caregivers, we can contribute to the evidence base on an ongoing basis, sharing our common experience. A systematic approach to creating and gathering evidence is critical in the development of a medical specialty and also for acceptance by payers globally.
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Advocacy as an important part of global initiatives to encourage payers, administrators and governments to adopt appropriate products and approaches.
“Reimbursement is an issue faced by governments, caregivers, and the wound care industry. All are partners in working to resolve the issues country by country and health care system by health care system,” said Prof Luc Teot, President of WUWHS. “In 2004 the World Union embarked on an initiative to focus on reimbursement globally and to address the issues faced by all. Our goal was to create a win‐win solution for all players leading to easier access to appropriate products and approaches for patients.”
Focus on local wound care
If your interest is Local Wound Care then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that runs across all of the streams and will allow you to focus exclusively on this particular topic with sessions discussing:
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Our responsibility to ensure treatment approaches are evidence based and how we can evaluate evidence informed approaches and products.
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How local wound care is more than dressings and encompasses other treatment approaches. For those aware of the Wound Bed Preparation approach you will understand the multi‐faceted nature of this type of approach and how it’s not simply apply a dressing and hope for the best.
“Local wound care has become more than a dressing – it’s an approach – and Wound Bed Preparation has become a widely accepted model for the assessment and treatment of wounds,” said Prof Keith Harding, Congress 2008 Scientific Committee member and Executive of the World Union. “As our understanding of wound care develops and matures our approach becomes more sophisticated and appropriate, aiding in the development of “woundology” as a specialty.”
Focus on research
If your interest is Research then we have a comprehensive, evidence based curriculum that runs as an individual stream and also across all of the streams and will allow you to focus exclusively on this particular topic:
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This stream will be principally delivered through a combination of expert faculty and free papers submitted to the Congress.
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It’s your chance to share your experience and to listen to that of others – using your One Voice.
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Latest research, latest products, latest news and latest views from most of the major areas in wound care – its all here.
“Research is fundamental to the development of future treatment strategies and the evidence that supports such approaches” said Prof Gary Sibbald, Congress Chair and President Elect. “Winter lead the way in 1962 and much has been discovered since but we still have a way to go to fully gather the evidence to support our clinical “specialty”. This stream will provide and insight into these and other exciting research arenas.”