Wounds Australia is opening up its resources and expertise to all clinicians to help improve their chronic wound knowledge and care during Wound Awareness Week from 17-23 August.
According to Wounds Australia, more than 420,000 Australians suffer chronic wounds each year, yet the essential work clinicians do in prevention and treatment is largely unnoticed.
Additionally, the “hidden epidemic” of chronic wound impacts the health, wellbeing and finances of many Australians. The average out of pocket cost can be around $4,000 a year for treatment and care while this year wound care consumes over $3 billion from health and aged care budgets, the organisation said.
To tackle these issues Wounds Australia has worked on modelling that shows alternative approaches can reduce the impact or wounds on thousands of people and save around hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
These approaches require the expansion of wound care expertise across health professions, as well as a greater awareness by the public about risk factors such as age.
Wounds Australia supports healthcare experts by delivering the professional development and resources needed to improve the care of chronic wound patients.
During Wound Awareness Week Wounds Australia is focusing on events to allow healthcare professionals to improve their expertise, care and treatment.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year’s material is online.
Events include:
• Webinars from leading wound care specialists
• Expanded online resources on best practice wound management
• Social media-based conversations and knowledge sharing.
Wounds Australia CEO Blake Wilson said it was crucial for healthcare workers to stay informed of the latest treatments and advice.
“It’s also important to continuously develop their skills to ensure Australians are receiving the best possible care
“We hope this year’s Wound Awareness Week will see clinicians across the country tap into our expertise and join us in our effort to tackle the health and financial burden chronic wounds places on Australians.”
Wounds Australia is also welcoming health professionals, scientists, students, and anyone with an interest in wound care to join their community.
Wound’s Australia members can access a range of benefits that will grow their expertise, including:
• Scholarships and grants
• Cutting edge information and resources on wound management and care
• The quarterly Wounds Practice & Research Journal and fortnightly email news
• Access to our specialist e-magazine WoundConnect
For more information on this week’s events and joining Wounds Australia, visit www.woundsaustralia.com.au
