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The purpose of the International Ostomy
Association is to provide an association in the form of a world
council for the benefit of ostomates, run by ostomates, and in full
interests of all ostomates with the cooperation of outside help when
required, and to represent the viewpoint of ostomates on the
international level.
The association is organized to encourage the
highest possible standards of surgery, medical attention and patient
after-care, and to assist member associations to help rehabilitate
ostomates, thereby enabling them to achieve the quality of life they
seek in all its aspects.
The Aims of the International Ostomy Association
are:
- To provide information and management guide lines to its
Member Associations;
- To help to form new Ostomy Associations;
- To represent worldwide the interests of all ostomates and
those with related surgeries by advocating on all ostomy-related
matters and policies.
The primary Objectives of the International
Ostomy Association are:
- To provide and distribute information to its Member
Associations by
- collecting and evaluating written information and
experiences,
- publishing the "Ostomy International" journal and the
"IOA News,"
- publishing other advisory information and news material,
- organizing meetings and congresses.
- To initiate and support the formation of new Ostomy
Associations by
- developing guidelines for founding and maintaining an
ostomy group,
- providing mentorship for new groups.
- To advocate for the rights of ostomates and those with
related surgeries by
- maintaining an awareness of issues that are impacting
on, or
could influence the quality of life and initiating policies
and activities to address these issues,
- coordinating and supporting all efforts to develop,
establish and provide basic standards in ostomy care and
rehabilitation,
- cooperating with medical and nursing associations,
government health administrations and other allied
organizations,
- promoting cooperation among the professional and
manufacturing community who contribute to the advancement of
the quality of life.
CHARTER OF OSTOMATES’ RIGHTS
This
Charter of Ostomates' Rights presents the special needs of this
particular group and the care they require. They have to receive the
information and care which will enable them to live a
self-determined and independent life and to participate in all
decision making processes.
It is
the declared objective of the International Ostomy Association that
this CHARTER shall be realised in all Countries of the World.
The Ostomate
shall
¨
Receive
preoperative counseling to ensure that they are fully aware of the
benefits of the operation and the essential facts about living with
a stoma.
¨
Have a
well-constructed stoma placed at an appropriate site, and with full
and proper consideration to the comfort of the patient.
¨
Receive
experienced and professional medical support and stoma nursing care
in the preoperative and postoperative period both in hospital and in
their community.
¨
Receive
support and information for the benefit of the family, personal
caregivers and friends to increase their understanding of the
conditions and adjustments which are necessary for achieving a
satisfactory standard of life with a stoma.
¨
Receive
full and impartial information about all relevant supplies and
products available in their Country.
¨
Have
unrestricted access to a variety of affordable ostomy products.
¨
Be given
information about their National Ostomy Association and the services
and support which can be provided.
¨
Be
protected against all forms of discrimination.
¨ Receive
assurance that personal information regarding their ostomy surgery
will be treated with discretion and confidentiality to maintain
privacy; and that no information about their medical condition will
be disclosed by anyone possessing this information, to an entity
that engages in the manufacture, sales or distribution of ostomy or
related products; nor shall it be disclosed to any person that will
benefit, directly or indirectly, because of their relation to the
commercial ostomy market without the expressed consent of the
ostomate.
Issued by the IOA Coordination Committee
June 1993: Revised June 1997
Revised by World Council 2004, 2007
POSITION OF IOA ON SMOKING
The IOA joins with
the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) and the World Health
Organization (WHO) in their efforts to discourage and reduce the use
of all Tobacco products recognising that medical evidence clearly
demonstrates the existence of a definable link between the incidence
of bladder and colon cancer and the use of tobacco products.
We also recognise the serious danger to non-smokers from second-hand
smoke and recommend that All Work Places, Meeting Venues, sports and
Social Functions be Smoke-free.
RESOLUTION APPROVED BY IOA 11th.
WORLD COUNCIL MEETING,
PORTO, PORTUGAL, 31 August 2004 |
