New options for WOC nursing. A Mobile APN program

Today more than ever, patients are transitioned from the acute care setting to a post-acute environment or to  home with continued health care needs. Patients with wound and ostomy needs often present challenges in any care setting. Additionally primary care providers may encounter wound concerns in their practice and request treatment recommendations, but the patient may not be able to get to a wound care center or qualify for home care services. A  new novel program was developed and launched by a quaternary health care system to begin to address how to manage and care for patients with wound, ostomy and continence related concerns throughout the various health care transitions. This program was developed to provide a value-based service line utilizing the expertise of WOCN certified Advanced Practice Nurses and provide consultative services for these specific patients in the community. The benefits for utilizing the APN allows for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment management of a specific wound,  ostomy, or continence  related problem. Additionally the APN can order pertinent diagnostic tests and prescribe medications as indicated. If conservative sharp debridement is needed, then the APN can provide this service. For a patient needing ongoing follow-up, home care can be ordered. For the patient who is able to manage the wound or ostomy issue independently, then the APN can make a follow up visit as indicated to provide continuity of care and ongoing assessment. This program has expanded to include providing consultative wound and ostomy services to skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, long term care facilities, numerous home care agencies without WOC expertise and the community home setting.   APN services are billable which  provides revenue  to the program.  Future plans include the addition of a full time physician to enhance this program.