The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society

Patients / Patient Care Publications

WOCN Society Patient Guides

The WOCN Society developed the following guides for patients with wounds, ostomies and urinary incontinence. They are available for purchase in quantity through our online store or ask your WOC care provider if she or he has one for your use!

Basic Ostomy Skin Care: A Guide for Patients and Healthcare Providers

This booklet features 19 questions and answers. Topics include changing the pouch, care of the skin and equipment, as well as tips on a variety of products. Not all patients who have ostomy surgery have a WOC Nurse to take care of them. This brochure will help patients with a new ostomy and will also be a resource for healthcare providers who work with patients with ostomies.

Convex Pouching Systems: A Fact Sheet for Patients

This handout provides a patient with the simple facts about convex pouching systems. It includes a glossary and describes what a convex pouching system is, what it is used for, when it is used, and provides a list of the different types of convex products available.

Reversible Causes of Urinary Incontinence: A Guide for Patients

This guide gives patients an overview of medical conditions that can cause loss of bladder control. This resource offers the symptoms for each medical condition and possible solutions to manage urinary incontinence.

Ankle Brachial Index: A Guide for Patients

This document explores the actual science of ankle-brachial index measurements and in composing best practice documents useful to experienced WOC nurses, newer WOC nurses, other healthcare practitioners and patients. They have been designed to be displayed and used in vascular laboratories or clinician offices from acute to long term and home health care. The patient guide covers topics like the purpose of an ABI, the way the test is administered and what to expect in the course of the test.

Gaining membership has helped me broaden my understanding of the complex role of being a WOCN nurse.