A. The Purpose:
To provide an Association of affiliated Regional Ostomy Associations that are
committed to the improvement of the quality of life of ostomates worldwide. The
work of the Association, managed by ostomates, will be organized by a
Coordination Committee, consisting of representatives of each of its affiliated
Regions. According to the Charter of Ostomates' Rights, the Association
encourages the highest possible standards of surgery, medical attention and
patient after-care for ostomates, and, the use by medical professionals of trained
ostomate volunteers as a member of the multi-disciplinary team organized to
help rehabilitate ostomates. It motivates ostomates around the world to be
engaged in forming and running Ostomy Associations.
B. The Aims of the Association are:
1. To provide to its affiliated Regional Ostomy Associations services common
to all;
2. To develop ideas and to provide a forum for the exchange of information of
the work and experience within each Region;
3. To assist in the planning of new Regional Ostomy Associations with the
cooperation of IOA's existing Regional members;
4. To serve as a point of contact for allied international organizations
C. The Primary Objectives of the Association are:
1. To provide services common to all Regions by including:
a. Maintaining an IOA Internet website;
b. Using all means of technological communication;
c. Coordinating World Ostomy Day;
d. Being a source of advice and counsel to the leadership of a Regional
Ostomy Association if called upon by the leadership to provide this
service.
2. Coordinate distribution of information among the Regional Ostomy
Associations;
3. To assist in the planning and formation of new Regional Ostomy
Associations;
4. To serve as a point of contact for allied international organizations.
Revised September 2011
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
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Copyrighted 1998-2011 International Ostomy Association
Page last updated:11/15/2011 | |
