Postgraduate education in wound, ostomy and continence practice: A collaborative model

Joy Sears1, Lorrie Gray2,  Keryln Carville1

1Curtin University, Western Australia
2AASTN (WA) Branch and AASTN Education and Professional Development Committee

Stomal therapy education inWestern Australia has until recently been co-ordinated by the AASTN (WA Branch). However, in response to ever increasing demands from nurses for recognition of postgraduate qualifications for their course and aligned expectations from health agencies, a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing  (Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice) was established in Singapore in 2015 and in Western Australia in 2016. This innovative program was developed in consultation with the AASTN WA Branch and SingHealth. Science units are delivered by Curtin Academics who are Credentialed STNs and the clinical placements are coordinated by the AASTN WA Branch and are awarded credit for prior learning from the university in lieu of practice units.  This blended learning method exposes students to the best learning outcomes for science units and rotational clinical practice under the supervision of expert preceptors from different clinical settings who guide the development of clinical competencies.  The presentation will outline the model of education and key learning outcomes and strategies for developing advanced knowledge and skills within the domains of wound, ostomy and continence practice. The Graduate Certificate has been awarded dual recognition by the AASTN and WCET.  In addition, the course gives opportunity for students to advance to a Graduate Diploma and a Master’s degree.

 


Biography

Keryln has extensive clinical experience and is committed to research and education within the domains of wound and ostomy care. She is Chair of the Wounds Australia Pressure Injury Advisory Panel and Australia Wound Standards Committee and Chairs the Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance. She was appointed a Fellow of the Australian Wound Management Association now Wounds Australia) in 2006 and Life Membership of the Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses in 2015. She is a lead researcher in the Silver Chain and Curtin University Wound Management Innovation Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) projects.