When 2 Worlds Collide: protecting Vascular Access Device preservation when skin integrity is gone

NSWOCC & WOC Institute Continuing Education Webinar: When 2 Worlds Collide: protecting Vascular Access Device preservation when skin integrity is gone

Learning Objectives

1. Review risk factors that may contribute to skin breakdown
2. Discuss the pathophysiology of impaired skin integrity
3. Examine current perceptions & recommendations for VAD dressings when skin is compromised
4. Demonstrate understanding of form and function of absorbent & antimicrobial dressings
5. Discuss VAD dressing applications that may protect, secure and support skin repair
6. How to manage wounds in close proximity to VAD sites
7. Participate in a question-and-answer sessio

Presented by

Karen Laforet - RN, MClSc, VA-BC™, CVAA (C) Senior Clinical Consultant LK Group Inc. Toronto, ON

Karen Laforet is an accomplished nurse leader with over 30 years of healthcare experience in critical care, community care, industry and academia across the US, Germany Europe and Canada.  She has proven skills in change management, leadership, team building, clinical innovation, adult education, business development, and marketing.

Karen is currently a clinical consultant for a number of healthcare companies where she is responsible for change management, new business initiatives, and program implementation.  In addition, she is a part-time faculty member for York University’s Health Leadership & Learning Network Program with a focus on Infusion therapy and medication safety.  Prior to this, Karen was the Director of Clinical Services & Privacy Officer for Calea Homecare—a service provider for pharmacy & nursing in the Greater Toronto Area.  In this role she was responsible for nursing services, clinical leadership, research and company-wide clinical support. She was the leader and change agent for transferring the clinic nursing department to Closing the Gap Healthcare.

Karen is currently a Board Member for the Canadian Vascular Access Association (CVAA), member of CVAA’s best practice guideline development group, a committee member for College of Nurses of Ontario, member of International Guideline Development Group for Wound Infection, member of Wounds Canada Policy & Research Committee.   She is past president and founding Board for the Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses, former board member of the International Association for Vascular Access, and member of RNAO Best Practice Guideline development team and past president of the Ontario Wound Care Interest Policy Group (OntWIG). She sits on the editorial review board for Infusion Nurse’s Society Journal, Diabetic Foot Canada Journal, and Journal of Vascular Access.

She is recognized globally as an expert in infusion therapy and skin & wound care management having received her Master’s in Clinical Science from Western University.  She is Canadian Certified in Community Health Nursing (CHNC (C)), certified in Canadian Vascular Access (CVAA (C) and internationally certified in vascular access (VA-BC™).

In partnership with 3M