Take a few minutes to check out this potpourri of resources.

International Ostomy Association

The International Ostomy Association is an association of regional ostomy associations that is committed to improving the lives of ostomates. Resources on the association’s website include:

• a variety of discussion groups
• information for patients
• list of helpful links.

The site also provides contact information for the regional associations.

Substance use disorder in nursing

Substance use disorder (SUD) can have a profound effect not only on patients but also on the nursing profession. “What You Need to Know About Substance Use Disorder in Nursing,” a brochure from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, discusses SUD, including how to recognize the warning signs and what to do to get a colleague help.

Enhancing patient and family engagement

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has released the “Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Hospital Quality and Safety,” an evidence-based resource to help hospitals work as partners with patients and families to improve quality and safety. The guide includes the following:

• Strategy 1: Working With Patients and Families as Advisors shows how hospitals can work with patients and family members as advisors at the organizational level.
• Strategy 2: Communicating to Improve Quality helps improve communication among patients, family members, clinicians, and hospital staff from the point of admission.
• Strategy 3: Nurse Bedside Shift Report supports the safe handoff of care between nurses by involving the patient and family in the change-of-shift report.
• Strategy 4: IDEAL Discharge Planning helps reduce preventable readmissions by engaging patients and family members in the transition from hospital to home.

Download the entire guide.

Lymphedema Treatment Act

The Lymphedema Treatment Act (HR 3877) is intended to improve coverage for the treatment of lymphedema from any cause. You can visit the Act’s website to learn how to contact your members of Congress about the Act and join your state’s advocacy team. Consider these six easy ways to increase awareness:

• Distribute information cards.
• Distribute or post fact sheets.
• Like the Act’s Facebook page.
• Follow the act on Twitter and re-tweet tweets.
• Include information on your website or blog.
• Use a tell-a-friend form to quickly tell up to 10 people at a time about the website.

You can also access an update on the Act on the National Lymphedema Network’s website.

DISCLAIMER: All clinical recommendations are intended to assist with determining the appropriate wound therapy for the patient. Responsibility for final decisions and actions related to care of specific patients shall remain the obligation of the institution, its staff, and the patients’ attending physicians. Nothing in this information shall be deemed to constitute the providing of medical care or the diagnosis of any medical condition. Individuals should contact their healthcare providers for medical-related information.