LAKE GENEVA, Wis., June 12 WI-WCEI-Improve-Care
LAKE GENEVA, Wis., June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- In a first-of-its-kind
collaboration, Wound Care Education Institute (WCEI) is proud to be a partner
with the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Wisconsin Health
Care Association, Wisconsin Association of Homes and Services for the Aging,
Wisconsin Directors of Nursing Council, National Alliance of Wound Care(R),
West Bend Mutual Insurance, Golden Living, Metastar, Kindred Health Care
Foundation and GuideOne Insurance, in a statewide initiative directed at
educating registered nurses working in long-term care facilities in the
prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores). The
National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel defines a pressure ulcer as a localized
injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony area, as a
result of pressure.
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As part of this collaboration, WCEI will provide wound care training at a
reduced cost for 200 experienced registered nurses working in Wisconsin
long-term care facilities. This training will make those nurses eligible for
certification in wound care through the National Alliance of Wound Care. The
National Alliance of Wound Care is a non-profit organization that is dedicated
to the advancement and promotion of excellence in wound care through the
certification of wound care practitioners in the United States.
In a study conducted by the Nursing Credentialing Research Coalition (a
coalition of 23 certifying bodies in nursing and other disciplines), nursing
certification was found to have a dramatic impact on the practice outcomes of
those certified nurses. According to the Department of Health and Family
Services for the state of Wisconsin, the course and certification will more
than double the number of wound-certified professionals working in the state.
Chronic wound care costs in the United States are $20-$25 billion
annually. As the population ages, it is expected that the costs to treat
chronic wounds will continue to rise. Secretary Karen Timberlake, Wisconsin
Department of Health and Family Services stated at a June 11, 2008 press
conference, "Pressure ulcers are preventable afflictions, and we as leaders in
health and long-term care must do all we can to reduce their occurrence."
According to John Sauer, the executive director of Wisconsin Association
of Homes and Services for the Aging, "This collaborative effort will enable
Wisconsin's nursing facilities to become even more proficient in the care and
treatment of elderly residents with complex skin conditions. It also will
provide measurable preventive health benefits to our residents by further
increasing the clinical skills of our caregivers."
WCEI co-founder Nancy Morgan, RN, MBA, WCC, states, "This training and
certification is an important step in helping the state of Wisconsin meet
quality care goals for its citizens."
Wound Care Education Institute is a national education company that
provides wound care training for nurses, physicians, physical therapists and
physician assistants.
SOURCE Wound Care Education Institute
