National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Update Winter /Spring 2010

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) is a national organization in Washington DC which serves as the authority in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. Through public policy, education and research, the NPUAP works with industry leaders to develop and promote guidelines for improved patient outcomes. Clinical advances and policy changes that result from the NPUAP will affect you and your wound care position. As a wound care expert, it is in your best interest to stay on top of these changes.
All WCCs are represented in the NPUAP by NAWC Executive Director, Debbie Hecker through their Collaborating Organizations Council (COC).
UPDATE:
   1. In February, a consensus panel meeting was held at Johns Hopkins University to develop a revised definition of unavoidable      pressure ulcers. Twenty-four (24) experts from around the world, including the NAWC President, Cathy Modlin, were on hand to discuss the subject and vote on a consensus. Click HERE for the official NPUAP press release regarding “Avoidable and Unavoidable Pressure Ulcers in All Care Settings”.

   2. Following the consensus meeting, the NPUAP hosted their bi-annual panel meeting in Baltimore, MD, where several committees presented their updates regarding:
          ° S3I (Support Surface Initiative)
          ° Lower Extremity
          ° International Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment Guidelines.
These guidelines help mold the policies each of you depend on for your work in wound care. As a result of the panel meeting, a decision for a greater discount on the purchase of the guidelines for WCCs was announced. Click HERE for the NPUAP discount flyer.

3. The NAWC also participates on the NPUAP Public Policy Committee, which collectively developed a position statement on “Who Can Stage a Pressure Ulcer”. This issue has extensive ramifications for all WCCs under the new “Present on Admission” ruling. The position statement will be posted on the NPUAP website upon NPUAP Board approval.
Stay tuned for future updates on the NPUAP and how their work impacts your practice as a WCC.