The Canadian Association of Wound Care and Bayshore Home Health are pleased to announce a unique and exciting educational initiative to provide Bayshore nurses across the country with advanced wound care education and training. The initiative will ensure that Bayshore clients receive optimal wound care management, which is crucial to reducing both healthcare and economic burdens.

Earlier this year, eight facilitators from Bayshore’s nursing staff were trained by the CAWC to conduct the CAWC Institute of Wound Management and Prevention L-Series program. The CAWC L-Series offers intensive, hand-on education regarding the prevention and management of acute and chronic wounds.

The facilitators, with representation from across Canada, were carefully chosen based on their experience, expertise and leadership skills. In early 2012, the facilitators will attend the CAWC L1 to L-3 Series meetings as regional wound care leaders, and will provide their expertise and hands-on knowledge. They will then be fully prepared to roll out the L-Series program to Bayshore’s 3,500 nurses across the country.

To ensure quality control as the L-Series launches with Bayshore staff, a CAWC Institute faculty member will attend each facilitator’s initial presentation. “That’s part of our commitment to ensuring that the program is successful,” says Peggy Ahearn, the CAWC’s Executive Director.

“Thanks to the CAWC, we are now equipped to provide point in time education to Bayshore nurses, which is critical,” says Katherine Grant-Brown, Clinical Practice Leader, Skin Health and Wound Care, Bayshore Home Health. “Our goal is that each and every Bayshore nurse will undergo this training.”

“This is a sizeable commitment on the part of Bayshore” says Peggy Ahearn. “Recognizing that wound care is a substantial part of the day-to-day work of these nurses is an important step in the prevention and management of chronic wounds.”

About Bayshore Home Health: Bayshore Home Health delivers a wide range of nursing, personal care, home support and companion services through more than 50 home care offices and 24 community care clinics across the country, serving over 70,000 clients annually. These services are purchased by government care programs, insurance companies, workers’ compensation boards and the public. Bayshore Home Health is a division of Bayshore HealthCare.

About the Canadian Association of Wound Care: The Canadian Association of Wound Care is a non-profit organization of healthcare professionals, researchers, corporate supporters, patients and caregivers dedicated to the advancement of wound care in Canada. Since 1995, the Association has enhanced the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals through its annual professional conference and educational events held across Canada.

For further information please contact:

Peggy Ahearn
Executive Director
Canadian Association of Wound Care Telephone: 416-385-2292, ext. 222
Email: peggy@cawc.net
Website: www.cawc.net

Katherine Grant-Brown
Clinical Practice Leader, Skin Health and Wound Care Bayshore Home Health
Telephone: 905-822-8075, ext. 310
Email: kgbrown@bayshore.ca
Website: www.bayshore.ca

Press Release .pdf

TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2011 – MEDEC announced that it has teamed up with the Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy (CAET); the Canadian Association for Wound Care (CAWC) and the Ontario Woundcare Interest Group (OntWIG) to pursue the development of a national evidence-based wound management innovation strategy. As a first step, the alliance is poised to host a Wound Innovation Summit in 2012 with broad stakeholder engagement from the academic, government, provider, clinical and commercial sectors.

In Canada, hundreds of thousands of patients experience the debilitating effects of acute and chronic wounds every day. Despite costing the health system hundreds of millions of dollars annually, wound prevention and care is not recognized as a major national health priority.

MEDEC’s Wound Care Committee formed a Task Force in 2010 that recommended advocating for a national wound care innovation agenda. The objectives of the plan included promoting evidence-based quality patient care; improving timely access to innovative and cost-effective wound management products and services; accelerating the development of a made-in-Canada strategy for the discovery, development and delivery of wound technology, expertise and knowledge for both Canadian and global markets; and advocating for public and private sector investment to allow wound care companies to thrive in Canada. The Task Force identified a natural alignment between government’s keen interest in innovation as an economic driver of jobs and investment and the wound care industry’s strength in bringing innovative products and services to market. “To be able to join forces with CAET, CAWC and OntWIG is a significant accomplishment. Together we can advance access to quality wound prevention and care for the benefit of patients regardless of where they live”, said John Gregory, Chair of the MEDEC Wound Care Committee.

"The alliance represents an important step forward in furthering CAET's mission of representing specialized nursing care for patients with wound challenges," said Karen Bruton, President Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy. "The Summit planned for later next year is an ideal platform for us to raise awareness of the role of the enterostomal therapist in delivering high quality wound care."

“The strength of the relationship between CAWC and our alliance partners is in the resources, technologies and experience that each organization brings to the table” said Pat Coutts, President Canadian Association of Wound Care. “By working together, we can maximize our effectiveness in raising the profile of wound care within the healthcare system.”

"OntWIG and the alliance share a commitment to advancing evidence-based wound care policy" said Laura Teague, OntWIG President. "We are confident that our joint efforts will dramatically improve patients' lives in the years ahead.”

About MEDEC
MEDEC (www.medec.org) is the national association representing the medical technology industry in Canada. Our members are committed to providing safe and innovative medical technologies that enhance patient care and advance patient outcomes. The medical technology industry in Canada employs over 35,000 Canadians in close to 1,500 corporate facilities, and has sales of nearly $7 billion per annum. MEDEC’s Wound Care Committee represents 3M Canada Company; Coloplast Canada; ConvaTec Canada Ltd.; COVIDIEN; Healthpoint; Hill-Rom; Hollister Limited (Canada); KCI Medical Canada Inc.; Molnlycke Health Care; Smith & Nephew Inc.; Stryker Canada LP; Systagenix Wound Management; and TSS – Therapeutic Surface Solutions.

About CAET
CAET (www.caet.ca) The Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy represents Canada’s enterostomal therapy nurses, promotes high standards for ET nursing practice, education, research and administration for this group of specialized nurses who provide specialized wound, ostomy and continence nursing services.

About CAWC
CAWC (www.cawc.net) The Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) is a non-profit organization of healthcare professionals, researchers, corporate supporters, patients and caregivers dedicated to the advancement of wound care in Canada.

About OntWIG
OntWIG (http://ontwig.rnao.ca/) OntWIG is an affiliated interest group of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO). Membership is comprised of interdisciplinary health care professionals from all health care sectors with a mandate to influence wound prevention and treatment policy in Ontario.

For further information: communications@medec.org

News Release .pdf

MDWCTs are defined as teams having a minimum of 2 members with advanced training in wound management, representing a minimum of 2 different clinical disciplines (e.g.,  dietician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, chiropodist, orthotist, physician, nurse, social worker), who share responsibility for the community-based patient with a chronic wound.

This study consists of 3 phases:

• Phase 1-identification of teams
• Phase 2-survey of teams
• Phase 3-a pragmatic trial.

We need your help with Phase One.

If you aware of a multidisciplinary wound care team in Ontario please contact Anita Stern with your contact information including your name, facility name, location, address, phone number and email address.

Anita Stern, RN, PhD
Senior Clinical Research Co-ordinator
THETA Collaborative
Leslie Dan Pharmacy Building
University of Toronto
6th floor, Rm 651
144 College St.
Toronto, ON M5S 3M2

T: 416-946-3706
F: 416-946-3719
anita.stern@theta.utoronto.ca

FOR RELEASE 6:00 A.M. EST NOVEMBER 8, 2010

CALGARY, AB – Implementing stronger wound care prevention and treatment through effective programs, research and best practices will benefit patients and strengthen health care for all Canadians, says the Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC).
 
The need for higher quality of patient care, better patient health outcomes and the ability to reallocate scarce health care dollars were highlighted throughout the CAWC’s16th Annual Professional Conference, held November 4 to 7 in Calgary.

More than 700 health care stakeholders and practitioners attended over 40 sessions covering the latest developments in improved wound care and more effective service delivery. While the conference focused on the treatment and prevention of diabetes foot ulcers, neuropathy and wounds, participants also learned of new change management approaches being used in health care delivery. 

“Delegates showed a tremendous desire to learn about and apply new techniques and strategies for effective wound care,” said Dr. Karen Philp, CAWC Chief Executive Officer.  “They voiced a strong determination to move forward, knowing their role is important to sustaining Canada’s public health care system.”

The conference included key health public policy related initiatives:

• Launch of CAWC’s Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You - A multi-media education program that could help reduce the incidence of diabetes foot ulcers and in particular, its current amputation rate by 50% by 2015.  Information will be available in 18 languages on the Web (http://www.cawc.net) and in ‘how to’ print materials.  Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You will be Canada’s ‘go to’ program for on-line information and education to support effective self-monitoring, early detection, treatment and prevention of costly and potentially life-threatening diabetes foot wounds among Canadians with diabetes.


• Development of CAWC’s Wound CARE Instrument – A new framework that establishes evidence-informed standards to self-appraise, identify and implement quality improvements in wound care and education programming.  It will ensure that health care resources support: wound education programming to deliver positive patient health outcomes; evidence-based performance standards for care providers; and, development of recommendations for governments to best use financial resources.  The Instrument will be published before the end of 2010.

Wound care professionals have much to offer governments and patients and all of CAWC ‘s efforts will contribute to the current conversation about the future of health care in Canada, notes Philp. 

CAWC plans to contribute further to public policy development.  “This is just the beginning of our efforts to inform governments.  With ever-growing fiscal and service pressure on our health care system, the experience of CAWC members will be valuable in identifying and addressing public policy to improve patient care and use health care resources wisely,” said Philp.

“CAWC will be engaging patients to ensure they are central to identifying policy and service delivery improvements, determining how to make changes and, ultimately, being part of a team including their health care professionals to prevent and treat wounds.”

CAWC also announced three scholarships to members committed to pursuing wound care educational goals (list attached). 

The 17th Annual CAWC Professional Conference will be held in Ottawa November 3 to 6, 2011

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Contacts: 
Alan Pryde
Conference Media Relations

Charles Hain
A/Director of Public Affairs, CAWC

The Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) is a non-profit organization of healthcare professionals, researchers, corporate supporters, patients and caregivers dedicated to the advancement of wound care in Canada since 1995.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 4, 2010

CALGARY, November 4, 2010 – Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You, a multi-media education program developed by the Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) has the potential to reduce the incidence of diabetes foot ulcers and in particular, its current amputation rate by 50 %, says Dr. Karen Philp, CAWC Chief Executive Officer.

More than 2.5 million Canadians have diabetes and another 6 million have pre-diabetes.  It is the fastest-growing medical condition in the country.  About 345,000 Canadians or 15 per cent of those with diabetes will develop a preventable foot ulcer.  It is estimated that 85 per cent of foot ulcers are preventable through effective prevention and treatment measures.  Every year, 5000 Canadians with diabetes lose limbs to amputation because of diabetes foot ulcers.  Treatment is costly; treating one foot ulcer costs about $8,000 and if infected, rises to $17,000 on average.  Treating diabetes foot ulcers alone costs the Canadian health care system over $2.5-billion annually.

“About one in three Canadians has diabetes or pre-diabetes,” said Philp. “Those living with diabetes are 23 times more likely to be hospitalized for a limb amputation, accounting for 85 per cent of all amputations.  Foot ulcers and other such diabetes complications are taking a growing, needless toll in lost lives and limbs.”

Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You is designed to be the national ‘go to’ program that provides on-line information and education for patients to support effective self-monitoring, early detection, treatment and prevention of costly and potentially life-threatening diabetes foot wounds among Canadians with diabetes.  Key features include:

• An inter-active questionnaire to help identify if they have a diabetes foot ulcer; access to monthly ‘foot-tips’ email; and information connecting patients with health care professionals.
• Information will be available in 18 languages on the Web and in “how to” print materials.  Videos showing patients and health care workers how to check feet effectively will be available in these languages in 2011.
• Information geared to clinicians to help them work with patients and use the program effectively.
• An awareness building program to make sure Canadians with diabetes and the professional health care community know about Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You.

“Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You, will improve patient care and health outcomes, effectively avoid hospitalizations, help save health care dollars and will free up scarce resources for other uses,” added Philp.  “Patients are central to the program as it supports them to be a part of their own health care team by working with their health care professionals to prevent and treat diabetes foot ulcers.”

Foot ulcers, wounds and related diabetes complications take a needless toll on Canadians with diabetes who suffer lost limbs and in some cases, lives. Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You is for patients with diabetes who want to live healthy and contribute to their families and community.  Engaging patients in the care of their feet may make a significant contribution to improving their quality of life, and also relieve the time constraints faced by health professionals, freeing up precious health care dollars for other uses.

Dr. Mariam Botros, a chiropodist and member of the CAWC Board of Directors, noted that it was particularly appropriate that the CAWC initiative was launched during Diabetes Awareness Month. “As a front-line care provider, I often witness the catastrophic and heart-breaking results of patients lacking necessary foot care knowledge.  This program is an invaluable addition to our toolbox.”

Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You was developed by CAWC with the support of the Public Health Agency of Canada and other national partners.  The program was launched in a simulated setting on the opening day of the CAWC’s 16th annual professional conference in Calgary, Alberta.

Visit the Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You Web site here.

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Contact:  Alan Pryde
Media Relations, CAWC

The Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) is a non-profit organization of healthcare professionals, researchers, corporate supporters, patients and caregivers dedicated to the advancement of wound care in Canada since 1995.

The CAWC Professional Conference is being held November 4 to 7 at the Telus Convention Centre, Calgary, AB.  It brings together a broad cross-section of more than 600 health care stakeholders dedicated to improving wound prevention and treatment in health care delivery including physicians; nurses; allied health care professionals; administrators; researchers; patients; caregivers; government officials; social workers; and industry representatives.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                
November 2, 2010

Calgary, AB – Improving patient care and saving health care dollars is the focus of more than 600 wound care professionals attending the 16th Annual Professional Wound Care Conference of the Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) in Calgary, November 4 to 7. 

More than $3.6-billion is spent annually to treat acute and chronic wounds.  Nearly 50 per cent of all treatment costs in hospitals, community care and long-term care facilities are related to wound care for people living with diabetes, arthritis, cancer, Crohn’s Disease, colitis or HIV/AIDS. 

The theme of the conference is the treatment and prevention of diabetes foot ulcers, neuropathy and wounds to improve the quality of patient care and the effectiveness of service delivery by health care professionals.  More than 345,000 Canadians with diabetes will develop a preventable foot ulcer.  Treatment of one diabetes foot ulcer is $8,000 and if infected, rises to $17,000 on average.  Treating diabetes foot ulcers alone costs the Canadian healthcare system over $2.5-billion annually.

“Most people think of wounds as resulting from wars, disasters or car accidents, and therefore don’t affect many of us,” said Dr. Karen Philp, CAWC’s Chief Executive Officer.  “We need to think again.  Wounds are not only personally devastating to patients and their families, but also affect all Canadians in their impact on treatments costs, waiting times for hospital beds and the tragic loss of lives and limbs.”

Significant savings can be achieved if wound management and prevention strategies that focus on education and public awareness are implemented by governments.  The best available evidence is already translated into ‘best practice’ recommendations. 

“However, there is an urgent need for health care professionals to be supported with education and information on how to implement these best practices, whether they work in hospitals, community care or long-term care,” said Philp.

Knowing how to better prevent and care for wounds will reduce patient suffering and the amount of time spent treating the wound clinically.  This in turn helps reduce workloads and allows for the reallocation of scarce health care dollars elsewhere in the system.

“Investing today in improved wound management and prevention will pay immediate dividends,” said Philp.  “Looking forward, providing better patient care will free up resources to help sustain Canada’s healthcare system for our children and their children.”

At this year’s conference world experts will share the latest research and information on best practices, as well as identify the priorities for government action to improve the patient and family experience in diabetes foot ulcer and wound management and prevention.

The Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC), founded in 1995, is committed to making significant improvements to the health of Canadians through improved wound management and prevention.  The CAWC annual professional wound care conference is the largest meeting on wound management in Canada, attracting the widest range of health care professionals under one roof:  doctors, surgeons, nurses, chiropodists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, administrators, researchers and industry exhibitors. 

– 30 –

Contacts:
Alan Pryde
Media Relations, CAWC

Organization:  The Canadian Association of Wound Care
Event:  16th Annual Professional Wound Care Conference
Dates:  4 to 7 November 2010
Location: Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, 120 Ninth Avenue SE , Calgary, AB
   

MEDIA AVAILABILITY:
The CAWC Conference is open to media.  CAWC leadership and major conference speakers will be available for remote and/or on-site media interviews . Interview arrangements can be made by contacting Alan Pryde in English or French at 613-293-4174 (in Calgary from 2 November 2010).

The four-day CAWC Conference brings together a broad cross-section of health-care stakeholders rarely found in one place at one time: physicians; nurses; allied healthcare professionals; administrators; researchers; patients; caregivers; government officials; social workers; and industry representatives.

The program being offered in Calgary from 4 November through to 7 November has been reviewed by The College of Family Physicians of Canada and has final accreditation by the College’s Alberta Chapter.

Don’t miss out on the premier educational wound care conference in Canada and the largest gathering of wound care professionals in Canada.
You will have your pick of panel sessions, oral abstract presentations, pre-conference sessions along with a unique opportunity to meet leading wound care and prevention experts from across Canada and around the world.

Designed for physicians, nurses, ETs, OTs, podiatrists, chiropodists, researchers, administrators and everyone involved in wound healing or wound management and prevention.  With a focus on diabetes foot neuropathy and wounds, endocrinologists, diabetes educators, pharmacists and other members of diabetes health teams should also plan on attending.

Extremely reasonable registration fees make this conference one of the most economical learning opportunities for anyone interested in wound management and prevention and you can mix and mingle with leading wound care experts from across Canada and around the world.  Members: $500 /  Non Members: $600 /  Students: $450   This year’s conference has 43 education sessions with 65 expert speakers.

It’s easy to register for Canada’s premier professional wound care event. Click here to register