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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Lauren Schoener-Gaynor
Associate MarCom Manager
856.380.6878
lgaynor@wocn.org
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™
Releases Algorithm for Support Surface Selection
Algorithm created to provide clinical guidance for selecting
support surfaces based on specific needs of the patient
MT. LAUREL, NJ,-January 28, 2015 - The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN�) set out to develop an evidence- and consensus-based algorithm in an effort to provide clinical guidance for selecting support surfaces based on individual patient needs. Published in the Journal of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing (JWOCN), this new tool is the first evidence- and consensus-based algorithm for support surface selection that has undergone content validation.
"We are pleased to offer this new tool to the nursing community," said WOCN Society Executive Vice President, Nicolette Zuecca, MPA, CAE. "Support surfaces are an integral component of pressure ulcer prevention and treatment, and we are confident that this algorithm will serve as an oft-used point of reference for clinicians."
Although a number of support surfaces have been shown to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers or facilitate wound healing when compared to standard mattresses, there is insufficient evidence to guide support surface selection to match individual patient needs in many situations.
Three WOCN members with clinical expertise in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment were invited to act as a Task Force for generation and validation of a support surface algorithm. Together they identified search terms for a comprehensive literature search, reviewed the literature and identified key publications, categorized levels of evidence for the use of support surfaces for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, and formulated a draft algorithm. A consensus panel of 20 key opinion leaders then evaluated and modified the draft and evaluated its content validity. The development of the algorithm was funded in part by an unrestricted educational grant from Hill-Rom.
The algorithm and accompanying JWOCN article www.wocn.org will be freely available through January 31, 2015. For more information on WOCN Society and its products, or to learn how to become a WOC nurse, visit .
About the WOCN Society
Founded in 1968, the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society is a professional, international nursing society of nearly 5,000 health care professionals who are experts in the care of patients with wounds, ostomies and incontinence. The Society supports its members by promoting educational, clinical and research opportunities to advance the practice, and guide the delivery of health care to individuals with wounds, ostomies and incontinence. Learn more by visiting www.wocn.orgWound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society @WOCNSociety Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™. Connect with WOCN� on Facebook at (WOCN), on Twitter at and on LinkedIn at .
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