The CWOCN Role Within Interdisciplinary Teams in Healthcare Management of Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury

ABSTRACT:The specialty of wound, ostomy and continence nursing (WOCN) is a multifactorial, multidisciplinary concentration which demands an interdisciplinary team approach for the delivery of excellence in patient care. The CWOCN partners with interdisciplinary teams for the prime management of Veteran spinal cord injury patients with chronic wounds, ostomies and continence disorders. 

OBJECTIVES: Design a Precision Care Model where the CWOCN may exercise innovation and best practices through partnerships with members of the Interdisciplinary Team. 

Identify and outline the components and design of the Precision Care Model.

Demonstrate the structure by which the CWOCN forms partnerships with Interdisciplinary team members for the ultimate care of Veterans with spinal cord injury. 

PROBLEM/NEED: The delivery of top notch care to our Veterans with spinal cord injury requires the implementation and establishment of partnerships among Interdisciplinary Team specialists. The CWOCN must have an incessant awareness of the needs of all Veteran patients, which is accomplished through a boundless focus on the WOCN specialty, encompassing close communication and collaboration with members of the Interdisciplinary Healthcare Team.

METHODS: A Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) was performed to formulate the design and configuration of the Precision Care Model which is highly focused on the delivery of ultimate care for Veterans with spinal cord injury. 

DATA ANALYSIS: Data was extracted from the Wound, Ostomy, & Continence Nursing Society and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders Division.

SIGNIFICANCE & CONCLUSION: The role of the CWOCN in the healthcare management of Veterans with spinal cord injury harbors on making a foundational connection between all disciplines for the continuum of seamless care (CWOCN, 2012). The development and use of this innovative model enhances the multi-specialty care of Veterans with spinal cord injury, while advancing the delivery of excellence in achieving state of the art healthcare.