In October 2024, a group of nurse educators began leading the charge to improve wound care practices and education at Suburban Hospital. The Skin Care Champions, led by Yvette Aidoo-Forson, C.W.C.N., C.O.C.N., R.N., and Ann Fischer, C.W.O.N., R.N., are a team of 20 nurses from across the hospital with a vested interest in wound management. These champions serve as an important staff resource and help shine a light on this crucial patient care topic.

"We have a high volume of wound care patients at Suburban,” says Yvette. “Our champions participate in a monthly meeting where we discuss a particular wound care topic. We also have a product spotlight to bring attention to how a product works and when to use it." This educational session helps Skin Care Champions learn more about wound care, and they return to their units to share their new skills and knowledge.

Each week, the Skin Care Champions put their expertise to good use on Wound Care Wednesday. "Wednesday is when any patients with a wound that has been deemed nurse manageable are assessed. The Skin Care Champions help evaluate these patients and assist the nurse at the bedside,” says Yvette. “They also review the patient’s documentation and make sure it’s correct. For example, making sure that a patient who came in with a pressure injury has that injury documented accordingly."

Yvette believes that the program has increased vigilance around skin and wound care at the hospital. "I think the staff is keener on their skin assessment and on repositioning," she says. "They are making sure that these things are complete upon admission and every shift. Also, because there is more education around products, I feel more confident that they are being used properly. And should the champion have a question or concern, the nurse educators are always available to help."

Today, there are Skin Care Champions on every unit of the hospital. They are an invaluable resource for the nurses who are on shift and are available to answer questions if a nurse has a concern or an issue.

"We are proud to have brought attention to skin care issues such as the importance of a full skin assessment, early identification of deep tissue injuries and pressure injuries through this program," says Yvette. "We are trying to ensure that our wound care patients have the best care possible during their time at Suburban."