Browse our comprehensive list of current wound care organizations for more information on wound care certification organizations, wound care associations, wound care societies. Additional resources for wound care product information and practical wound management information are at the bottom of this page.
American Professional Wound Care Association
All specialized professionals associated with the treatment of wounds will find a wealth of information on the APWCA’s website. The APWCA is unique in the field of wound care in that its members earn the designation of Fellow, Diplomate or Associate, according to their abilities. It also serves the function of a medical association. Membership is open to members of several disciplines. The APWCA is a non-profit organization.
Association for the Advancement of Wound Care
Unique in nature, the AAWC is a non-profit organization that brings together disparate groups who all have one goal in common; excellence in wound care. Members include patients, caregivers, manufacturers and health care workers whose goals are to “promote excellence in education, clinical practice, research and public policy”. Access to official association journals is provided to association members.
American Board of Wound Management
The American Board of Wound Management sets standards for practitioners in obtaining credentialing. Certifications offered include the following: CWS (certified wound specialist), CWCA (certified wound care associate) and CWS-P (certified wound care physician. The ABWM strives to promote excellence in wound care, highlighting research, education and advanced knowledge. The organization is not-for-profit and interdisciplinary.
American Burn Association
As the official publisher of the Journal of Burn Care Rehabilitation, this organization focuses on prevention of burn injuries, as well as education and research within the field of burn care. Members of all disciplines are welcome.
American Podiatric Medical Association
For those practitioners wishing to educate themselves on the subject of diabetic foot ulcers, this website contains information on this subject, as well as invaluable links to the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association.
American Physical Therapy Association
Physical therapists play an increasingly important role in wound care. The official site of the APTA offers members access to Medline, as wellas APTA publications. In addition, they offer members the opportunity to participate in continuing education activities that will help members increase their knowledge in the subject of wound care, as well as other subjects pertinent to the practice of physical therapy.
American Diabetes Association
Neuropathic ulcers are just one of the areas of diabetes research on which this website offers information. Interested readers will also find a wealth of information on diabetes, with links to research and journal articles. Both clinicians and patients will find this site useful.
Canadian Wound Care Association
The Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) is a non-profit organization of health care professionals, researchers, corporate supporters, patients and caregivers dedicated to the advancement of wound care in Canada.
Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Society
This is the official website for the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Society (WOCN). The mission of the WOCN is to promote learning and research in the areas of wound care, ostomy care and incontinence. The site provides links to full text articles in the Journal of WOCN.
National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel
NPUAP sets the standards for pressure ulcer prevention, and the official site is an excellent resource for information relating to pressure ulcers. The site contains information on advisory panels, education, research and much more. Links are provided to the Agency for Health Care Research and the Health Care Financing Administration. Practitioners from all disciplines will find this site helpful. Educational materials are available through the site, such as an educational wound slide set with an accompanying guide.
Wound Healing Society
The Wound Healing Society is a non-profit organization composed of clinical and basic scientists. The society provides a forum for interaction among scientists, physicians, licensed practitioners, industrial representatives and government agencies. Membership to the society is open to individuals who have a demonstrated interest in the field of wound healing.
Additional Wound Care Resources
Cochrane Collaboration
This website strives to advance health care through the systematic review of various health care interventions. Cochrane reviews explore the evidence supporting or refuting common health care practices and treatments. Browse and search abstracts free of charge on the website.
World Wide Wounds
An online resource for dressing materials and practical wound management information.
WoundSource
Provides product information and reviews for over 1200 wound care products manufactured by over 150 companies. Information is available online or can be purchased in print-form.
National Guideline Clearinghouse – Skin Guidelines
The National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) is essentially a database of documents relating to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. This site contains information on guidelines for virtually any area of health care practice for nurses, physicians and other health care providers. Links are provided to full-text guidelines, and are available in a variety of downloadable forms. An annotated bibliography for the guidelines is provided so that users may search for additional information. The NGC is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality).
AHRQ Guidelines
The AHRQ web site contains information for both practitioners and lay persons regarding clinical guidelines for wound management. From research to prevention to assessment, this site covers all aspects of wound care management, including information affecting wound care management in all health care settings. Quality and patient safety are the driving forces behind the AHRQ, and astute practitioners will access this web site first.