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Association of Ostomy Associations
,
created to improve the life of
Ostomates worldwide.

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Purpose, Aims and Objectives Of The
International Ostomy Association

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

 

Copyrighted 1998-2008 International Ostomy Association
Page last updated: Saturday, March 29, 2008 04:15:46 PM