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Wound care is complex. Even professionals who have worked as wound care specialists for decades are still learning as researchers discover more about the healing process and barriers that impede healing. Additionally, the medical professionals who may work with a patient with a complex or chronic wound can include clinicians with varying expertise, such as nurses, physical therapists, surgeons, dietitians, and so on. Fortunately, several national organizations are committed to enhancing the quality of wound care for both wound care professionals and patients alike.
The benefits of joining a national organization include:
If you are considering joining a national wound care organization, there are many options, including the following organizations1, 2:
There are many options for national organizations focused on wound care, and this list is not comprehensive. If you search for organizations in other countries or global organizations, there are further options. The right organizations to join may depend on your specialty and the type of wounds you commonly treat.
With a myriad of organizations to choose from, clinicians can find it difficult to find an entry point when researching national wound care organizations. The following organizations focus on general wound care and can be a valuable starting place when considering organizations.
This organization has been a leading advocate and educational organization since 1986 for nurses serving in management positions. NADONA is committed to clinical excellence, leadership, and health care management in the specialty of long-term and postacute care through education, board certifications, and the advancement of evidence-based practice, which includes wound care educational opportunities showcasing the latest standards of practice presented by the top leaders in the field.
The Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders is an association of medical specialty societies, clinical associations, wound care clinics, and wound care provider groups whose mission is to promote quality care and access to produces and services for people with wounds. Over the past 20 years, since its founding in 2002, the Alliance has enabled the wound care clinical community to collectively and collaboratively engage on issues of commonality, thereby elevating the visibility and united voice of wound care providers to regulators and policymakers.
The Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing (APWH) differs from other organizations in that their membership is specific to those clinicians who manage patient care and diagnose conditions related to wound healing. Membership includes physicians (MD, DPM, and DO) as well as advanced practice providers (NP and PA). The organization provides webinars, newsletters, peer-reviewed journal content, and more. It also legislatively supports its membership to the insurance industry and other regulatory governmental agencies.
The American College of Clinical Wound Specialists (ACCWS) is dedicated to being in the vanguard of wound healing education, engaging in patient advocacy, and providing support to credentialed wound care providers of all disciplines. Their members strive to improve public health by practicing and encouraging evidence-based treatment plans to promote healing. The academic mission of the College is carried out through such programs as the Quarterly Round Table, where challenging wound cases are presented, followed by a multidisciplinary panel discussion. Mentoring and supporting the next generation of wound clinicians are crucial for a healthier tomorrow. So, the ACCWS has been expanding its educational opportunities to students of all specialties nationwide and internationally.
Whether you’re a wound care nurse who has been in practice for decades or a physician in your first year out of residency, national wound care organizations can be an instrumental part of one’s practice. The educational resources available, access to new research, networking opportunities, and potential advocacy for patients help wound care professionals deliver the best care possible to patients. If you are interested in any of the organizations listed or described in this blog, visit their websites and reach out by email with any questions about the organization.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views of WoundSource, HMP Global, its affiliates, or subsidiary companies.
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