WOCN Document Library
Knowledge is power and the WOCN Society takes pride in knowing its members have access to the best educational resources in the field. Information contained in the WOCN Public Library has been developed and researched by leaders in the field of WOC care and often undergo an extensive content validation process to secure best practice standards.
WOCN members have access to additional publications offered as a member benefit. To access these documents, you will be required to log in to your Member Center profile.
If you are interested in starting a WOCN-accredited WOCNEP please contact the WOCN Society's Website and Publications Editor Becky Dryden at bdryden@wocn.org to request the following materials:
Accreditation Manual Sections 1-8 (2015)
Accreditation Manual Section 9 - Appendix (2015)
Curriculum Blueprint for the WOCN Educational Programs (2014)
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Request: Curriculum Blueprint for WOCN Edu Program Link
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Administration
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12/21/2015
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Submit a request to receive the Curriculum Blueprint for the WOCN Educational Programs.
If you are interested in starting a WOCN-accredited WOCNEP please contact the WOCN Society's Executive Director Anna Shnayder at ashnayder@wocn.org to request the following materials:
Accreditation Manual Sections 1-8 (2015)
Accreditation Manual Section 9 - Appendix (2015)
Curriculum Blueprint for the WOCN Educational Programs (2014)
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Accreditation Manual Sections 1-8 (2015) Link
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Administration
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12/21/2015
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WOCN Society's Accreditation Policy & Procedure Manual 2015 (Sections 1 – 8) (2015)
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Accreditation Manual Section 9 - Appendix (2015) Link
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Administration
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2/4/2016
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WOCN Society’s Accreditation Criteria & Appendices 2015 (Section 9 and Appendices A – K) (2015)
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This section of the Member Library is dedicated to all WOCN committee and task force members.
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A Quick Reference Guide for Managing FI (2013) Link
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Administration
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3/28/2014
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Members-Only Document
A Quick Reference Guide for Managing Fecal Incontinence (FI) (2013)
Fecal incontinence (FI) is a serious problem associated with physical and psychological morbidity. This quick reference guide provides a brief overview about fecal incontinence and how it is commonly managed. The topics will include a definition of fecal incontinence, information about the prevalence/incidence of FI, a brief description of bowel physiology, a review of causative/predisposing factors for FI, skin complications, assessment and management issues, and recommendations for future research.
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ANA CAUTI Prevention Tool Link
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Administration
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12/8/2015
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ANA CAUTI Prevention Tool
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) are the most commonly reported hospital-acquired condition, and the rates continue to rise. More than 560,000 patients develop CAUTI each year, leading to extended hospital stays, increased health care costs, and patient morbidity and mortality. RNs can play a major role in reducing CAUTI rates to save lives and prevent harm. ANA offers an innovative, streamlined, evidenced-based clinical tool developed by leading experts.
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Care & Mgmt of Pts w/ Urinary Catheter: CRG (2016) Link
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Administration
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11/2/2016
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Care and Management of Patients with Urinary Catheters: A Clinical Resource Guide (2016)
This document provides an overview of the care and management of indwelling urethral and suprapubic catheters and intermittent urinary catheters, which are commonly used in clinical practice. Prevention and management of complications associated with indwelling catheters are also addressed. Additional information is provided about documentation, how living with a urinary catheter impacts a patient’s quality of life, patient and caregiver education, and implications for future research.
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CAUTI - Additional Resources Link
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Administration
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4/17/2015
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External Catheter: Fact Sheet (2008) Link
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Administration
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3/28/2014
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External Catheter: Fact Sheet (2008)
An external catheter is a urine (conduit) containment device that fits over the penis and is attached to a urinary drainage bag. The most commonly used external catheter is a soft flexible sheath or sleeve that fits over the penis. External catheters are self-adherent with an adhesive that is integrated into the sheath or they are secured by an adhesive or silicone applied to the penis prior to application, or a strap applied over the penis and sheath after the catheter is applied. Other names for this type of catheter include: condom catheter, urinary sheath, penile sheath and other brand names as numerous as their manufacturers. External catheters also include ostomy-like bags that fit over the penis, adhesive free sheaths that are held in place by a belt or special underwear, and catheters that attach directly to the glans penis.
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IAD Best Practice Principles – 3M & Wounds Int'l Link
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Administration
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6/23/2015
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Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD) is a common condition and significant health challenge that causes patients pain, discomfort and is a risk factor for the development of pressure ulcers. 3M brought together 20 global experts to review knowledge deficits in IAD and to advance best practice principles to address these gaps. From that meeting, the Best Practice Principles-Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: Moving Prevention Forward document was developed in collaboration with Wounds International.
For clinicians providing hands-on care, this document provides practical guidance on how to assess, prevent and manage IAD. For clinical leaders, a step-by-step guide for advancing IAD prevention within their care setting is shared, in addition to information on developing a structured prevention program. For information on the document or to access a free download, please visit www.3m.com/cavilon or contact your local 3M Health Care Representative at 1-800-228-3957.
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IAD: Best Practice for Clinicians (2011) Link
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Administration
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4/4/2017
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Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD): Best Practice for Clinicians (2011)
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Reversible Causes of Acute/Transient UI (2016) Link
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Administration
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8/24/2016
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Reversible Causes of Acute/Transient Urinary Incontinence: Clinical Resource Guide (2016)
This clinical resource guide updates the previous 2007 Reversible Causes of Urinary Incontinence: A Guide for Clinicians. The purpose of this document is to provide information to clinicians to facilitate the identification and correction of reversible causes of acute/transient UI. This document provides an overview of the causative factors with a description and information about assessment, interventions, and management. For each of the causative factors, the following information is presented: definition, risks/etiology, signs/symptoms and clinical indicators, assessment parameters, tests/diagnosis, treatment/management options, patient/caregiver education, and indications for referral. In addition, a patient guide that addresses the reversible causes of acute/transient UI is included in the appendix.
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Role of WOC Nurse or Continence Care Nurse (2009) Link
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Administration
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3/28/2014
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Role of the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse or Continence Care Nurse in Continence Care (2009)
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A Quick Reference Guide for LE Wounds (2013) Link
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Administration
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6/16/2014
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A Quick Reference Guide for Lower-Extremity Wounds: Venous, Arterial, and Neuropathic (2013)
Members-only
This quick reference guide provides a brief overview of key characteristics, common assessment findings and key strategies for topical/adjunctive of the three most common types of lower extremity wounds (i.e., venous, arterial and neuropathic). The WOCN Clinical Practice Guideline Series has a more detailed, evidence-based information about management of wounds in patients with venous, arterial and neuropathic disease.
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Guidance on OASIS-C2 Integumentary Items (2016) Link
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Administration
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11/3/2016
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WOCN Guidance on OASIS-C2 Integumentary Items (2016)
OASIS-C2, scheduled for implementation in January 2017, is a modification to the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) that Home Health Agencies must collect in order to participate in the Medicare program (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS], 2015a). The new version of OASIS-C2 includes some modifications in the integumentary status item set including use of Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4) for pressure ulcer staging (CMS, 2015a, 2015b).
The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) developed the following guidelines to facilitate the classification of wounds by home health clinicians. This guidance document was developed by consensus among a panel of WOCN Society content experts. The document updates a previous document: Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society’s Guidance on OASIS-C1 Integumentary Items: Best Practice for Clinicians (WOCN, 2014).
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OASIS Home Page on cms.gov Link
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Administration
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3/7/2014
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OASIS home page on cms.gov
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Basic Ostomy Skin Care (2012) Link
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Administration
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4/28/2017
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Basic Ostomy Skin Care: A Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers
People who have a stoma often share many of the same questions and concerns. This best practice document provides answers to some of the common questions that people ask about the day to day care of the stoma and the surrounding skin. The answers are directed to the person who has a stoma but may also be helpful for the nurse as a teaching tool.
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Bowel Prep for Patients with a Colostomy (2011) Link
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Administration
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6/3/2014
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Best Practice: Bowel Prep for Patients with a Colostomy: Patient Education (2008; Updated 2011)
Members-only
The information contained in this brochure is for people with a colostomy undergoing procedures such as colonoscopy, barium studies and colostomy closure or reversal. This bowel procedure is not recommended for people with ileostomies. Publish Date: 2008; Updated 2011; 5 page document.
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Colostomy and Ileostomy Products and Tips (2013) Link
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Administration
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4/4/2017
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Colostomy and Ileostomy Products and Tips: Best Practice for Clinicians (2013)
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Convex Pouching Systems: Best Practice (2017) Link
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Administration
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3/17/2017
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Convex Pouching Systems: Best Practice for Clinicians (2017)
Robust evidence is lacking about convex products and their use. Therefore, the recommendations in this document are based primarily on published review articles, consensus documents, and expert opinion. The document includes a definition of convexity, an overview of the purpose of convexity, recommendations for practice and future research, and a list of resources if additional information is needed.
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Discharge Planning for Pt with New Ostomy (2014) Link
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Administration
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3/17/2017
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Discharge Planning for a Patient with a New Ostomy: Best Practice for Clinicians (2014)
This document is designed as a guideline to ensure that a comprehensive ostomy education is done for a patient with a new ostomy before discharged. Basic ostomy skills such as emptying and changing the pouching system are covered plus information about diet, medications, gas and odor, signs and symptoms of complications. This document guides the nurse to teach how to order ostomy supplies, ostomy manufacturers, and support resources that are helpful with the transitions of care from hospital to home.
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Home Care for Your G-Tube: Patients (2011) Link
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Administration
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7/23/2014
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Home Care for Your G-Tube: Guide for Patients (2011)
Members-only
This handout provides instructions for a person with a gastrostomy tube for feeding or for drainage. The information can be personalized. The handout includes caring for skin around the tube site, considerations for medication, and guidance for tube problems. Publish Date: 8/24/11; 8 page booklet.
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Management of G-Tube Complications (2008) Link
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Administration
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9/23/2014
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Best Practice: Management of Gastrostomy Tube Complications for the Pediatric and Adult Patient: Clinician Education (2008)
Members-only
Ideally, Gastrostomy Tube (GT) management should not be a problem. However, there may be underlying conditions predisposed to gastrostomy tube complications. Enteral feedings tubes are not all the same. They can be placed by three different methods: surgical; endoscopic or radiologic. Today there are many types of gastrostomy tubes available.
There are three basic types of gastrostomy tubes. Find out what they are in this document.
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Pediatric Ostomy Care: Clinicians (2011) Link
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Administration
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6/4/2014
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Pediatric Ostomy Care: Best Practice for Clinicians (2011)
Members-only
The Wound, Ostomy Continence Nurses Society recognizes and supports best practices in ostomy care, involving both fecal and urinary stomas. In pediatric cases, factors such as the growth and development of the child and the need for training and support of parents and caregivers are also involved. This document addresses clinical issues as well as the need for awareness and sensitivity when dealing with an infant or child as patient, and the understandable concerns of parents and caregivers. Publish Date: 3/1/11; 89 page booklet.
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Pediatric Ostomy Complications Best Practice(2016) Link
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Administration
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7/20/2016
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Pediatric Ostomy Complications: Best Practice for Clinicians (2016)
Members-only
The purpose of this updated document is to facilitate the identification and treatment of common stomal, peristomal, ostomy-related, and pouching complications to enhance the WOC nurse’s ability to provide competent care for infants and children with ostomies that includes parental and caregiver involvement. This document provides a definition and description of several common pediatric ostomy complications along with suggestions for interventions and treatment.
This document replaces the 2008 Trouble-Shooting Section on Pediatric Best Practice Guidelines.
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Peristomal Skin Complications: CRG (2016) Link
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Administration
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12/6/2016
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Peristomal Skin Complications: Clinical Resource Guide (2016)
Members-Only
The purpose of this updated document is to facilitate the identification, assessment and management of selected peristomal skin complications. The peristomal complications discussed in this document include the following: allergic contact dermatitis, folliculitis, fungal infection/candidiasis, pseudoverrucous lesions/hyperplasia, mechanical trauma (i.e., medical device-related pressure ulcer; medical adhesive-related skin injury/skin stripping), psoriasis, pyoderma gangrenosum, varices/caput medusa, granulomas/hypergranulation, mucosal transplantation/seeding, peristomal moisture-associated skin damage, chemical skin injury, malignancy, and peristomal abscess. For each complication, this document provides an overview with a description and information about assessment and nursing intervention.
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Proc Obtaining Urine Sample from Ostomy (2012) Link
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Administration
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6/3/2014
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Procedure for Obtaining a Urine Sample from a Urostomy, Ileal Conduit, and Colon Conduit: Best Practice for Clinicians (2012)
Members-only
This document gives detailed instructions for the correct steps to collect a urine specimen from a stoma. This resource can be used by health care professionals in all areas of practice for their own use or as an educational tool for staff.
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Peristomal Hernia: Best Practice Clinicians (2011) Link
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Administration
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4/4/2017
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Peristomal Hernia: Best Practice for Clinicians (2011)
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Stoma Complications Best Practice Clinicians(2014) Link
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Administration
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1/13/2015
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Stoma Complications: Best Practice for Clinicians (2014)
Members-only
Seven complications of stomas are described in the Stoma Complications document. Each complication includes categories of: assessment with identifying characteristics; nursing interventions describing prevention and treatment; and patient/caregiver education. Newer research when available and additional references are included. This document will add to the knowledge of the WOC nurse and non-WOC nurse when caring for stoma complications.
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Stoma Site Marking Colostomy/Ileostomy (2014) Link
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Administration
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1/13/2015
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WOCN Society and ASCRS Position Statement on Preoperative Stoma Site Marking for Patients Undergoing Colostomy or Ileostomy Surgery (2014)
Marking the optimal location for a stoma preoperatively enhances the likelihood of a patient’s independence in stoma care, predictable pouching system wear times, and resumption of normal activities. Colon and rectal surgeons and certified ostomy nurses are the optimal clinicians to select and mark stoma sites, as this skill is a part of their education, practice and training. However, these providers are not always available, particularly in emergency situations. The purpose of this position statement, developed by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) in collaboration with the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) and the American Urological Association (AUA), is to provide a guideline to assist clinicians (especially those who are not surgeons or WOC nurses) in selecting an effective stoma site.
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Stoma Site Marking Urostomy Surgery (2014) Link
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Administration
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1/13/2015
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WOCN Society and AUA Position Statement on Preoperative Stoma Site Marking for Patients Undergoing Urostomy Surgery (2014)
Marking the optimal location for a stoma preoperatively enhances the likelihood of a patient’s independence in stoma care, predictable pouching system wear times, and resumption of normal activities. Colon and rectal surgeons and certified ostomy nurses are the optimal clinicians to select and mark stoma sites, as this skill is a part of their education, practice and training. However, these providers are not always available, particularly in emergency situations. The purpose of this position statement, developed by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) in collaboration with the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) and the American Urological Association (AUA), is to provide a guideline to assist clinicians (especially those who are not surgeons or WOC nurses) in selecting an effective stoma site.
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Teen Chat: You & Your Ostomy (2013) Link
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Administration
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6/3/2014
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Teen Chat: You and Your Ostomy (2013)
This document was specifically written for teenagers. Included in this teen friendly resource you will find information on the digestive and urinary systems, types of ostomies, ostomy products and usage, what to expect after surgery, diet and nutrition and information on transitioning back from surgery. Also discussed are quality of life issues specific to teens such as sports and exercise, travel, returning to school, and social/family relationships. A detailed list of resources for teens is also provided. We encourage you to use this information as a helpful guide and communication tool for your teen ostomy patients.
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Urostomy Products and Tips: Best Practice (2014) Link
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Administration
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4/4/2017
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Urostomy Products and Tips: Best Practice for Clinicians (2014)
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Members-Only Forums: Rules and Conditions of Use
PDF (40.04 KB)
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Administration
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12/21/2015
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WOCN Society Members-Only Forums: Rules and Conditions of Use
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Image Submission Form Link
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Administration
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3/31/2014
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A completed Image Submission Form is required for all images submitted to the WOCN Image Library.
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WOCN Registered Trademark Use Guidelines (2011) Link
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Administration
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11/17/2014
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WOCN Registered Trademark Use Guidelines (2011)
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Policy & Procedure Manual Link
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Administration
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4/24/2017
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Members-Only Document
*Includes the Society's Bylaws.
This manual was developed as a resource to clarify and explain the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society Policies and Procedures and to facilitate organizational activities in the Society.
The purpose of the manual is threefold: (1) policy statements that are proposed and endorsed by the Board of Directors are listed to indicate the historical development and information relevant to general operating procedures; (2) policies and procedures developed by committees are included to serve as reference tools; and (3) specific documents and guidelines developed by the Society are supplied to provide information about the association's activities and relationships with other organizations.
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WOCN Society's Brand Standards (2014) Link
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Administration
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9/18/2014
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WOCN Society's Brand Standards (2014)
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2016 WOC Nursing Salary & Productivity Survey Link
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Administration
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10/19/2016
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Members-Only Document
(Available for nonmembers to purchase in the WOCN Bookstore.)
In early August 2016, a link to an online survey questionnaire was emailed to 5,200 WOCN members. In total, 1,305 usable survey forms were submitted by early September, representing a response rate of 25%. Forms submitted after the final deadline and questionnaires with incomplete information were not included.
All submissions were made anonymously and upon receipt, all questionnaires were assigned a confidential identification number, and any reference to the respondent was removed from the survey form. All data were checked both manually and by a specially designed computer editing procedure. Strict confidence of survey responses was maintained throughout the course of the project.
Final results were tabulated by Industry Insights, Inc. and the report was completed in October 2016.
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Competency and WOC Nursing (2003) Link
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Administration
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9/9/2014
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WOCN Society Position Statement: Competency and WOC Nursing (2003)
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How WOC Nurse Fit into Palliative Care (2013) Link
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Administration
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9/18/2014
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How Does a WOC Nurse Fit into your Palliative/Hospice Care Team? (2013)
The goal of this fact sheet is to provide information about how wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurses can significantly impact the quality of care and improve patient outcomes for facilities/agencies that provide palliative/hospice care. WOC nurses are highly educated experts, who can provide evidence-based care and management for palliative/hospice care patients with wound, ostomy or continence needs. WOC nurses serve as great resources for staff, patients/caregivers, the interdisciplinary care team, and the community. This document describes the benefits, role and functions of WOC nurses in palliative/hospice care programs.
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Magnet Recognition & Role of the WOC Nurse (2012) Link
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Administration
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9/8/2014
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Magnet Recognition and the Role of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse Fact Sheet (2012)
The Magnet Recognition and the Role of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse Fact Sheet provides an overview of the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Program which promotes nursing excellence and superior quality patient care.
Magnet Recognition is a distinction for healthcare facilities and professional nurses within the organizations. As clinical experts, the WOC nurse can influence care throughout the continuum either directly through hands on care, or indirectly serving as educator, consultant, researcher or administrator. Examples are provided of the WOC nurses potential to support and facilitate excellence in care processes related to wound, ostomy and continence practice within the Magnet model.
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WOC Nurse Education & Certification (2008)
PDF (78.24 KB)
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Administration
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10/22/2012
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WOCN/WOCNCB Position Statement: Entry Level Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse Education and Certification (2008)
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WOC Nurses Smart Addition: Healthcare Team (2006) Link
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Administration
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9/18/2014
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Members-Only Document
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses: A Smart Addition to the Healthcare Team (2006)
Provides an overview on role of the WOC nurse role and used by members as a self-marketing tool. It covers many aspects of WOC nurse leadership in developing comprehensive, individualized care plans, and demonstrates their positive impact. Publish Date: 2006.
Also available for purchase in the WOCN Bookstore as a tri-fold brochure sold in packs of 10.
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WOCN Business Plan Template Workbook (2011) Link
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Administration
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9/9/2014
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Members-Only Document
WOCN Business Plan Template Workbook (2007; Updated 2011)
The Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) "Business Plan Template" (2011) is a valuable resource for members working in a variety of health care settings or roles. Content is focused on business planning, glossary of terms, and an example workbook. The business plan can benefit the WOC nurse expert or advanced practice WOC nurse in role development or in entrepreneurial work as a clinical consultant or educator.
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WOCN/WOCNCB Entry Level WOC Nurse Edu/Cert (2008) Link
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Administration
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9/18/2014
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WOCN/WOCNCB Position Statement: Entry Level Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse Education and Certification (2008)
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Advocacy and Grassroots Toolkit (2012) Link
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Administration
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9/23/2014
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Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society Advocacy and Grassroots Toolkit (2012)
Just as wound, ostomy, and continence nursing is both an art and a science, so is advocating for the specialty and the patients we serve.
In this Toolkit, you will learn specifics from how to address a Member of Congress, to how to prepare for a meeting with one. The mechanics of Congress and your State Legislature, the titles and job descriptions of legislative staff, and the most effective ways of communicating with exactly the right people are all explained in simple, clear language.
There is an expression: "All politics are local." The importance of learning and communicating about legislative work unfolding within the all levels of government will have increasing importance as health care reform moves forward. Please carefully read and note the process for local action in your own state, and begin the conversation with your elected representatives and their staff.
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Introduction-Reimbursement Fact Sheets (2011) Link
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Administration
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9/9/2014
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Members-Only Document
Introduction to the Reimbursement Fact Sheets (2011)
In 2009 the WOCN Board developed a strategic plan for the following three years. This ambitious plan included a mandate for the National Public Policy Committee (NPPC) to develop an action plan and a section of this mandate included the following: Expand reimbursement for WOC nursing services. A task force of WOCN members from the NPPC as well as past leadership was called into action to address a work plan to meet the mandate of expanding reimbursement opportunities for WOC nursing services. A discussion of tactics as well as review of opportunities for WOC nurses to seek reimbursement was done in order to organize the work of the newly created Reimbursement Task Force. The Task Force, discussed reimbursement opportunities and road blocks. It became clear that reimbursement for some services a WOC advanced practice nurse provided was available in some settings and some locations.
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Public Policy & Advocy Health Care Agenda (2012) Link
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Administration
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1/26/2015
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Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Public Policy & Advocacy Health Care Agenda
The purpose of the WOCN Public Policy & Advocacy Health Care Agenda is to promote public policy and advocacy activities that are related to the Society's mission, vision's and strategic goals.
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Position Paper Compression Stocking Coverage(2014) Link
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Administration
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9/23/2014
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Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®) Support of Medicare Coverage for Compression Therapy (2014)
Recently (July 2014), the WOCN Board approved a new policy position paper which encourages expanded Medicare coverage of compression stockings.
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Reimbursement APRN Services: A Fact Sheet (2011) Link
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Administration
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9/9/2014
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Members-Only Document
Reimbursement of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Services: A Fact Sheet (2011)
The purpose of this document is to provide the APRN with information to understand the opportunities and challenges in acquiring reimbursement for professional services.
In order for the APRN role to survive in many settings, a revenue stream may need to be developed. There are increased opportunities for billing of APRN services and it is important that APRNs understand the issues involved in capturing third party reimbursement. There are many legal and financial issues that need to be appreciated by the APRN as they relate to reimbursement. Reimbursement is a complex structure that includes regulatory factors both at the state and federal level.
While this fact sheet will cover Medicare billing regulations, many insurers will follow Medicare guidelines. However, the APRN should remember that insurers may regulate reimbursement in their own way.
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Support of Medicare Coverage of Fistulas (2015) Link
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Administration
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3/20/2017
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WOCN Society's Support of Medicare Coverage for Enterocutaneous Fistulas Public Policy Paper (2015)
The goal of the WOCN Society's Support of Medicare Coverage for Enterocutaneous Fistulas Public Policy Paper is to provide support and evidence that supplies are necessary for treatment of fistulas, and that reimbursement for the supplies are imperative. Currently, products are only covered for fistulas that are caused or treated by a surgical procedure. This paper is stating the importance of coverage of spontaneous fistulas, as that is not currently covered by CMS.
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Understanding Medicare Incident to Billing (2011) Link
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Administration
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9/9/2014
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Members-Only Document
Understanding Medicare Part B Incident to Billing: A Fact Sheet (2011)
The purpose of this document is to understand the issues involved in Medicare Part B "incident to" billing that may be considered for use in billing wound, ostomy, and continence nursing services in the out patient setting.
"Incident to" refers to a Medicare billing mechanism, allowing services furnished in an outpatient setting to be provided by auxiliary personnel and billed under the provider's national provider identification (NPI) number. "Incident to" the provider's professional services means that the services or supplies are furnished as an integral, although incidental, part of the provider’s professional services in the course of diagnosis or treatment of an injury or illness (Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, 2011).
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WOCN Society Logo, Trademark Usage and Brand Standards
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A Quick Reference Guide for LE Wounds (2013) Link
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Administration
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6/16/2014
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A Quick Reference Guide for Lower-Extremity Wounds: Venous, Arterial, and Neuropathic (2013)
Members-only
This quick reference guide provides a brief overview of key characteristics, common assessment findings and key strategies for topical/adjunctive of the three most common types of lower extremity wounds (i.e., venous, arterial and neuropathic). The WOCN Clinical Practice Guideline Series has a more detailed, evidence-based information about management of wounds in patients with venous, arterial and neuropathic disease.
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ABI Quick Reference Guide - Clinicians (2011) Link
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Administration
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9/8/2014
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Members-Only Document
Ankle Brachial Index: Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians (2011)
LEAD (Lower extremity arterial disease) is a chronic, progressive disease that can lead to lower extremity wounds, infection, pain, loss of limb and impaired quality of life. A significant percentage of individuals are afflicted with LEAD, but many more go undiagnosed because they are either asymptomatic or unreliable methods are being utilized to make the diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment. The Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) is a valid, reliable, non-invasive test that provides an objective indicator of arterial perfusion to a lower extremity, thus supporting the diagnosis of vascular disease. This document provides relevant information about the ABI including definition, limitations, indications, contraindications, and guidelines, and a research-based protocol to use in performing the test and interpreting the results. Publish Date: 11/7/11; 19 page document.
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Avoidable vs. Unavoidable Pressure Ulcer (2017) Link
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Administration
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2/22/2017
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Avoidable vs. Unavoidable Pressure Ulcer (Injury) Position Paper (2017)
Given the clinical complexities and constellation of comorbidities commonly encountered in today’s healthcare environment, it is reasonable to state that not all pressure ulcers are avoidable or preventable. The skin is the largest organ of the body; and its integrity is impacted by age, medications, microclimate, optimal functioning of other organs, and concomitant diseases/illnesses. The development of pressure ulcers is impacted by numerous risk factors, which are commonly seen in patients. While there has been progress in reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers, an incidence of zero may not be an attainable goal (Edsberg, Langemo, Baharestani, Posthauer, & Goldberg, 2014).
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Clean v. Sterile Dressing Technique: Mgmt (2011) Link
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Administration
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9/8/2014
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Members-Only Document
Clean vs. Sterile Dressing Techniques for Management of Chronic Wounds: A Fact Sheet (Original Publication Date: 2001; Review/Update: 2005; Revised: 2011)
This document originated in 2001 as a joint position statement from a collaborative effort of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC & WOCN, 2001; Wooten, Hawkins, & APIC Committee, 2001). Its purpose was to review the evidence about clean vs. sterile technique and present approaches for chronic wound care management. Then as now, areas of controversy exist due to a lack of agreement on the definitions of "clean" and "sterile" technique, lack of consensus as to when each is indicated in the management of chronic wounds, and lack of research to serve as a guide. Wound care practices are extremely variable and are frequently based on rituals and traditions as opposed to a scientific foundation.
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Diabetic Foot Ulcers: EBRC (2006) Link
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Administration
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9/8/2014
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Members-Only Document
Evidence-based Report Card: Is Total Contact Casting Effective for Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers? (2006)
Find the answers to the following questions in this document:
1. Is total contact casting effective for promoting wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and for preventing recurrent ulceration?
2. Does a nonremovable, all-fiberglass casting system provide efficacy similar to that of total contact casting while reducing adverse side effects?
3. What adverse side effects are associated with total contact casting?
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: EBRC (2006) Link
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Administration
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9/8/2014
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Members-Only Document
Evidence-based Report Card: Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Effective for the Management of Chronic Wounds? (2006)
Find the answers to the following questions in this document:
1. Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) effective for the management of diabetic foot ulcers?
2. Is HBOT effective for the management of lower extremity venous ulcers?
3. Is HBOT effective for the management of pressure ulcers?
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Methods of Wound Debridement: Best Practice (2015) Link
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Administration
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2/4/2015
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Methods of Wound Debridement: Best Practice for Clinicians (2015)
Member's-only
This document serves as a clinicians’ quick reference to the implementation, clinical settings, outcomes, etc. for the different types of wound debridements. The document will provide each clinician a concise view and points to consider when wound debridement is deemed necessary for patients needing wound management, treatment and healing.
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Moist Wound Healing: EBRC (2007) Link
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Administration
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9/9/2014
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Members-Only Document
Evidence-based Report Card: Operational Definition of Moist Wound Healing (2007)
Find the answers to the following questions in this document:
1. What evidence supports an operational definition of moist wound healing?
2. What procedures or dressings provide a moist wound healing environment sufficient to improve clinical healing beyond that experienced with gauze dressings?
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Periwound Skin: EBRC (2007) Link
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Administration
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9/9/2014
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Members-Only Document
Evidence-based Report Card: Prevention and Treatment of Moisture-Associated Skin Damage (Maceration) in the Periwound Skin (2007)
Find the answers to the following questions in this document:
1. What interventions are effective for preventing maceration of periwound skin?
2. What interventions are effective for managing maceration in the periwound skin?
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Photography Wound Documentation: Fact Sheet (2012) Link
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Administration
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9/8/2014
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Photography in Wound Documentation: Fact Sheet (2012)
The document "Photography in Wound Documentation" has been revised and updated and is now available! It is the position of the WOCN Society that photography, when used in wound care, serves as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, the written wound documentation. This document is not intended to be a policy, but rather a fact sheet for agencies/institutions formulating photography policies or guidelines. It outlines items and criteria that need to be included in order to be compliant with JCAHO, AHIMA, and HIPAA guidelines. It is timely, concise, and relevant!
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Pressure Ulcer Evaluation: CRG (2016) Link
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Administration
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3/16/2016
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Members-Only Document
Pressure Ulcer Evaluation: Clinical Resource Guide (2016)
The purpose of this clinical resource guide is to facilitate the evaluation and documentation of pressure ulcers in a variety of clinical practice settings. It is intended for use by all levels of healthcare practitioners. The focus of the document is on the evaluation of the pressure ulcer. Table 1 of this document provides an overview of key parameters to assess and factors to consider in the evaluation of pressure ulcers including: location, shape, dimensions, tissue type(s), wound edges, periwound skin, exudate, odor, wound pain, bacterial burden/infection, onset/course/duration, and pressure ulcer classification. Other factors to consider for assessment of pressure ulcers in selected special groups (i.e., pediatric, geriatric, surgical patients) are provided in Table 2.
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Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment: EBRC (2007) Link
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Administration
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11/14/2014
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Members-Only Document
Evidence-based Report Card: Which Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scales are Valid for Use in the Clinical Setting? (2007)
Find the answers to the following questions in this document:
1. What are the most reliable valid scales for assessing pressure ulcer risk?
2. Based on available evidence, how should pressure ulcer risk assessment scales (PURAS) be used?
3. Does use of a PURAS guide preventive interventions?
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Role & Scope of Practice Wound Care Providers (17) Link
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Administration
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4/21/2017
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WOCN Society Position Statement: Role and Scope of Practice for Wound Care Providers (2017)
The primary purpose of this position statement is to clarify the roles of the different levels of wound care providers: WOC registered nurses, WOC graduate-level prepared registered nurses, WOC advanced practice registered nurses, and wound treatment associates. Brief descriptions of the role and scope of practice for each level of provider are included in this document.
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