Knowledge to Action in Skin and Wound Management

If you’re ready to take your wound care knowledge to the next level and become an Accredited Wound Care Champion, then the Knowledge to Action in Skin and Wound Management program is for you!  This multi-component hybrid course will provide you with the foundation to assess, manage and lead wound care change through interactive online modules, webinars, the RNAO Best Practice Champion e-Learning and hands-on Skills Labs.

Regulated health-care providers who have successfully completed the Wounds Canada Institute's Skin Health Advocate and Resource Professional (SHARP) Program anytime from January 1, 2023  are eligible to apply to the next program offering of Knowledge to Action in Skin and Wound Management to receive the Accredited Wound Care Champion Program (AWCCP) designation.

The Knowledge to Action Program takes learners 46 hours to complete and prepares health care professionals with:

• A robust set of hands-on clinical skills to augment wound care theoretical knowledge and enable demonstration and proficiency in wound assessment, prevention and management
• Key strategies for leading clinical change as well as working with organization leaders to sustain best practices in skin health and wound care and escalate this area as an organizational priority
• Advanced considerations in skin and wound management incorporating concepts of research and evidence-based practice, social determinants of health, communication and interprofessional team care, and technoligy in wound care 

The curriculum delivery model is hybrid which includes:

• 20 Knowledge to Action Modules
• 3 synchronous webinars moderated by renowned Canadian experts who guide learners through the application of course knowledge to complex clinical cases
• RNAO eLearning Series
• Three in-person skills labs (completed over two days) followed by a one-day of review and evaluation of key clinical competencies
• One Fundamentals of Research Utilization knowledge test and one reflective practice portfolio

Topics addressed in this comprehensive, longitudinal program include:

• Leading organizational practice change
• The fundamentals of research utilization
• Interprofessional collaboration and communication
• Social determinants of health
• Self-management and communication
• Effective use of technology to enhance practice and care

Learners must complete all evaluation components including:

• In-person skills assessment by expert faculty
• Quizzes and self reflection exercises
• Reflective practice posts on the discussion forum
• Comprehensive Reflective Practice Portfolio Parts 1 and 2   

Credits: Once the learner completes all program components and the program evaluation, they will receive:

• A Best Practice Champions Certificate: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO)
• A Letter of Accreditation from Wounds Canada, the RNAO and accrediting body.
• Accredited by the Canadian Nursing Association: upholds standards of quality for continuing professional development for nurses in Canada
• A digital micro-credential badge from Nipissing University for Accredited Wound Care Champion Program
• If a minimum of 90.0 hours have been completed (SHARP + K2A), an Advanced Certificate of Completion in Continuing Professional Development from Continuing Professional Development, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

Prerequisite: Completion of the Skin Health Advocate and Resource Professional Program (SHARP). Registrants must be regulated health professionals across all Canadian jurisdictions who have completed the SHARP Program since January 1, 2023 are eligible. Note the inperson skills lab and practical assessment will be available in the Atlantic Region.