By the end of this 12-month, paced online course, participants will be able to: 

• Apply foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology related to wound, ostomy, and continence care to identify and explain common etiologies and risk factors. 

• Assess and manage wounds to develop individualized, evidence-informed wound care plans, incorporating goals for healing, patient-centred goals, barriers to healing, wound bed preparation, adjunctive therapies, dressing selection, and outcome evaluation. 

• Assess physical, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors affecting individuals living with an ostomy, and interpret assessment findings to provide comprehensive ostomy care, including pre- and post-operative support, appliance selection, complication management, and patient education. 

• Conduct focused physical assessments and patient histories for urinary and fecal incontinence, to develop patient-centred care plans for conservative management of incontinence, including behavioral, dietary, and pelvic interventions and appropriate selection of containment products based on patient needs and preferences.  

• Collaborate with interprofessional teams to develop and implement patient-centered care plans, including utilizing referral pathways for surgical, medical, nutritional, or psychosocial support. 

• Integrate principles of professionalism, ethical practice, patient autonomy, and informed consent, demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity while advocating for patients’ quality of life, dignity, and access to specialized WOC services.  respecting patient autonomy, cultural differences, and quality of life. 

• Critically appraise and apply current research to serve as a resource and educator for the health care team, patients, and families and to identify and justify evidence-informed practice and quality improvement initiatives.  

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