With the advent of 2004 VNAA has completed a renovation of its Web site. It is brighter, easier to navigate, and provides more up-to-date information for VNAA members and consumers. The updated site is pleasing to the eye and easy to read and is now updated weekly with new information. While access to the Members Only section is restricted to member agency staff, the consumer side is available to all.
The newly revamped VNAA Web site is better than ever. Point your browser to http://www.vnaa.org and see for yourself!!
In January, a new series of columns sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and written by wound care specialists was launched. The columns discuss current issues and challenges associated with the care of the patient with a chronic nonhealing wound. Each month's column is intended to build upon the information and knowledge contained in the previous month's discussion.
Individuals who may have missed the initial columns can find them archived at the site. With the focus of the Medicare PPS being on outcomes and one of the main issues being wound care, the VNAA felt this was a subject that would meet many clinician needs.
The January column focused on "Examining the Environments of Wound Healing, " and provided an overview of the three phases of the healing process and the environments of healing that included not only patient factors but the physical environment of the wound. It also included the macroscopic and microscopic biochemical environments of the wound showing the unique interplay of factors in these four areas or environments of healing.
The February column discussed patient factors and two types of risk assessment tools, while the March column featured a discussion of wound care assessment and documentation.
The April 2004 column covers the challenges of OASIS and wound assessment. Throughout 2004, the column will continue to expand your knowledge base on the understanding and care of chronic wounds.
The intent of the program is to combine the practical approach to chronic wound care with the most up-to-date scientific knowledge and research in wound healing. Clinicians will find this information helpful and useful in daily practice and use this knowledge to improve the outcomes of patients, especially those with chronic nonhealing wounds. The Wound & Skin Care Content Corner is made possible thanks to the generous support of Johnson & Johnson. Visit the site (http://www.vnaa.org) and send comments via e-mail to [email protected].
For more information on the association, publications, meetings, and any other questions, contact:
VNAA 99 Summer Street Suite 1700 Boston, MA 02110 (617) 737-3200 voice (617) 737-1144 faxhttp://www.vnaa.org