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Celebrating 10 Years of Partnership: ISTAP™ & NSWOCC®

  • Writer: NSWOCC
    NSWOCC
  • 3 days ago
  • 2 min read

The International Skin Tear Advisory Panel and Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada are proud to co-announce that 2026 marks 10 years of partnership and collaboration.


In 2016, ISTAP officially became an interest group of NSWOCC, beginning a decade-long partnership dedicated to advancing awareness, prevention, assessment, and treatment of skin tears around the world. Over the past 10 years, this collaboration has continued to grow into a global platform, network, advocacy movement, and community of healthcare professionals committed to working toward ISTAP’s vision of a world without skin tears.


The History of ISTAP

While ISTAP became an Official Interest Group of NSWOCC in 2016, ISTAP itself was founded in 2011 by Co-Chairs Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc (Canada) and Sharon Baranoski (USA), alongside panel members:

  • Dr. Karen Campbell (Canada)

  • Dr. Kerlyn Carville (Australia)

  • Dawn Christensen (Canada)

  • Karen Edwards (USA)

  • Mary Gloeckner (USA)

  • Samantha Holloway (United Kingdom)

  • Dr. Diane Langemo (USA)

  • Alicia Madore (USA)

  • Mary Ann Sammon (USA)

  • Ann Williams (USA)

  • Dr. Mary Regan (USA)


Together, these international leaders established the foundation for what has become a truly global organization dedicated to skin tear awareness, prevention, assessment, and management.


Today, ISTAP raises global awareness of skin tear prediction, assessment, prevention, and management through a multidisciplinary panel of healthcare professionals representing Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and North America. Through education, research, and advocacy, ISTAP continues to work toward improving outcomes for individuals at risk of or experiencing skin tears — all aimed at achieving the vision of “a world without skin tears.”


ISTAP has now grown to more than 6,000 members worldwide, with free online membership available to healthcare professionals and supporters around the globe.


As we celebrate this important milestone, we recognize and thank the founders, volunteers, members, partners, and supporters who have helped shape ISTAP and strengthen the partnership between ISTAP and NSWOCC over the last decade.


We invite you to join us in celebrating these 10 years of partnership as we look ahead to another decade of growth, global collaboration, community building, and continued advocacy for the awareness, prevention, and treatment of skin tears.

 
 
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