EWMA 2019G O T H E N B U R G , S W E D E N

Why EWMA 2019 - one of the largest international wound conferences - is a must do this summer

Meet Sue Bale, president of the European Wound Management Association (EWMA), and explore the reasons why wound care professionals should not miss the EWMA conference in June 2019, which will be held in Gothenburg.

EWMA 2019G O T H E N B U R G · S W E D E N

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1. First of all, the delegates will be able to get a unique overview of the latest research in wound management. This year, 740 abstract submissions came from 57 countries around the world, with Sweden among those countries with the highest number of contributions.

2. Secondly, you will be able to look at the recent innovations in wound healing: equipment, devices, dressings etc. The conference will feature more than 125 industry exhibitors from leading companies in wound management.

3. Thirdly, the delegates will get the chance to learn and acquire hands-on experience in the latest techniques in wound care during numerous workshops and interactive sessions.

4. The last but most important reason would be networking. The conference is an opportunity to meet many delegates from other countries and cultures, and the friendly conference atmosphere facilitates knowledge and expertise exchange between the delegates. I want to give a piece of advice to those of you who are considering attending the conference: When you stand in a queue for a coffee or lunch, take these moments to speak to people around you about who they are and what they do. These informal conversations are one of the best settings for exchanging your expertise and hopefully making new friends, colleagues and contacts.

Why attend the EWMA 2019 conference?

The conference offers a wide variety of sessions ranging from prevention and management of wounds to epidemiology, pathology, and diagnosis. This makes it easy for delegates to tailor their own program based on their interests and professional background. EWMA conferences have a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere, enabling easy contact with other delegates in order to network effectively. I would highlight four rea-sons to attend the EWMA 2019 conference:

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T H E C O N F E R E N C E T H E M E I S

Person-centred Wound Care.Who is in Charge of the Wound?

The theme of EWMA 2019 conference is “Person-Centred Wound Care. Who is in Charge of the Wound?” Why did you choose this topic?

This theme has been chosen because there is an increasing awareness of how important the person/patient is in wound care and that we need to work in a colla-borative partnership with our patients. It is crucial that we understand the patients’ needs and wishes. Without cooperation and trust between the two, patients may not be able to tolerate the care that is suggested by the professionals. The patients may be more willing to accept the less effective treatment, and the wounds will take lon-ger to heal if it means that he or she can go on a holiday or do whatever they would like to do. The conference question, “Who is in charge of the wound?” implies that wound care professionals are willing to refrain more and more from the patriarchal viewpoint when caring for their patients.

Why has EWMA chosen Sweden and Gothenburg as its conference destination in 2019?

Over many years EWMA has developed strong ties with Swedish health care profes-sionals and local associations. It is of great importance to EWMA to cherish its re-lationship with our Swedish members and partners, and we are pleased to organise the EWMA conference in Sweden this year. We are firmly convinced that Swedish delegates will bring value to the conference by taking in consideration their strong culture and expertise in wound care.

Why Gothenburg? It is a good conference destination and well connected to the world. It is well-known as a “smart city” that is going green and open to the world. I expect nothing less than to be met by Gothenburg’s warm and friendly people and their laid-back attitude.

IMPORTANT INFO

Conference Dates:5 – 7 June 2019

Registration & prices:See conference webpage ewma2019.org under Registration.

Members of EWMA & EWMA Cooperating Organisations are entitled to register at reduced prices.

Conference Venue:Swedish Exhibition & CongressCentre & Gothia TowersMässans Gata 24412 94 GöteborgSweden

Can you highlight a couple of reasons why nurses should attend the EWMA conference 2019?

Nurse delegates at EWMA 2019 will have the chance to network and exchange expertise with other nurses from across the world. They will also have exposure to experiences and knowledge of other clinical staff and professionals in wound management.

Moreover, nurses play a very special role in wound management, and EWMA is committed to strengthening this message. For patients with wounds, nurses are the healthcare professionals they spend maximum time with, providing most of the wound care. Thus, nurses are one of the most important elements of wound care, and their presence is crucial at one of the biggest wound management conferences in the world, which will take place in Gothenburg this year.

EWMA finds it important to secure that the interest for wound care is increasing among the future generation of nurses. Thus, we have also arranged a special day for Nordic nurse students, where nurse students can attend a special session organised for them and will have access to a full conference day on 5 June. Nurse students can register for this opportunity through their educators.

Read more about the EWMA 2019 conference and register at ewma2019.org