Message from the Editor-in-Chief

Abstract

“Success is not measured by the money you make, but by your ability to change people’s lives.” — Michelle Obama

Every day, the Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) encounters individuals whose health is impacted by an ostomy, wound, or continence issue. Our NSWOC education has prepared us to address the many challenges these individuals face and to support them in regaining an optimal quality of life. NSWOC education is the foundation of our specialty, upon which we must continue to build to keep our knowledge current, as it is constantly evolving. Some clinical situations are familiar to us, others less so and reading the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (CJWOC) is a source of information that can inspire us and contribute to modifying our clinical practice through research and shared clinical experiences.

This publication focuses on pressure injuries (PI) and examines this issue from two different perspectives: research and prevention. Dr. Campbell, on behalf of the late Dr. Teague, shares her research on the physiological and environmental variables associated with complications of stage 4 PI in spinal cord injury patients following surgical repair. In 2024, the Nurses’ Association of Ontario released updated recommendations for the assessment, prevention, and treatment of PI across pediatric, adult, and older-adult populations. These recommendations are intended to support caregivers, patients, and families.   Burt et al. have further described the three preventative areas of repositioning frequency, care bundles, and the use of prophylactic dressings for individuals at risk, within this issue of CJWOC.

A reassured, encouraged, and supported patient on his path to recovery is the goal of our specialty. Our work makes a huge difference, often without us realizing it.

We take this opportunity to wish you all the best for 2026! Please reflect on the satisfaction of having made a change in the lives of your patients through your ongoing commitment to increasing your knowledge around wound, ostomy and continence. We also have a small challenge for you for 2026: how about an article in the CJWOC? We would be delighted to support you in this project!