A Win for Skin: NAHCA Endorses Medline’s Skintegrity Program, and Challenges Frontline Caregivers to Make Skin Health a Top Priority

Mundelein, Ill., June 25, 2015 – More than 1.4 million nursing assistants in the U.S. today provide an estimated 80 percent of all hands-on care in the post-acute and long term care settings. To help these frontline caregivers better prevent skin wounds that continue to escalate at an alarming rate, such as pressure ulcers, moisture-associated skin damage and skin tears, the National Association of Health Care Assistants’ (NAHCA) steering commission is proud to endorse Skintegrity, ™ a first-of-its kind holistic skin health management program from Medline. This is an endorsement first from NAHCA that came with unanimous approval.

“We feel it's necessary for all long term care facilities and assisted living communities to have the knowledge to provide great care to our elders and also know what to look for when it comes to potential skin issues,” says Julie Kennedy, CNA, NAHCA steering commission chair. “There are over 135 years of experience between all seven of our steering commission members.  Yet, each and every one of us learned something new and valuable from taking the Skintegrity courses.  This is the first time our organization has endorsed a skin health program, underscoring its importance in patient care.”

NAHCA is dedicated to elevating the professional standing and performance of certified nursing assistants who care for the frail and elderly. The endorsement underscores the critical need for preventing skin problems among the aging population and recognizes Skintegrity as a new standard for skin care.

Skintegrity’s comprehensive approach

The program represents a long-term, sustainable approach that encourages attention to the health of a patient or resident’s skin during all key points of care and at every life stage.

Because every person’s skin is unique and may react differently to conditions like friction and shear, Skintegrity is customized to meet a patient or resident’s individual needs. The program features personalized clinical education for assessing skin changes, a robust portfolio of evidence-based products for care and treatment, and ongoing outcomes management tools that pinpoint where gaps in skin care can occur.

Medline Chief Nursing Officer and National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) Advisory Council member Martie Moore developed the program after forming with a special task force of skin health experts. “For clinicians and those they care for, we can’t afford to keep approaching skin the same way. It’s time for unconventional thinking and action.”

Learn more about Skintegrity at: http://www.medline.com/clinical-solutions/skin-health/skintegrity

About Medline

Medline is a global manufacturer and distributor serving the healthcare industry with medical supplies and clinical solutions that help customers achieve both clinical and financial success. Headquartered in Mundelein, Ill., the company offers 350,000+ medical devices and support services through more than 1,200 direct sales representatives who are dedicated points of contact for customers across the continuum of care.  For more information on Medline, go to www.medline.com or http://www.medline.com/social-media to connect with Medline on its social media channels.

About NAHCA

The National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) is a professional association of and for Certified Nursing Assistants and is a staff development partner for care centers across the nation.  NAHCA elevates the professional standing and performance of caregivers through recognition, advocacy, education and empowerment while building strong alliances with health care providers to maximize success and quality care.  Medline was one of several sponsors of NAHCA’s 2015 conference. For more information about NAHCA please visit their website at www.nahcacareforce.org.