At the EWMA 2023 Conference in Milan, several elected and co-opted new members were welcomed to the EWMA Council, one of them being: Joan Enric Torra-Bou.
About Joan Enric Torra-Bou
Dr. Joan Enric Torra is a seasoned nurse with a Ph.D. in nursing, specialising in wound care – a field to which he has dedicated his entire professional career. His journey has taken him from the frontline of primary healthcare to the forefront of research, education, and clinical consultancy.
Dr. Torra’s contributions to the field include establishing the first Chronic Wounds Unit in Spain. Now, as a member of the EWMA Council, he continues to influence wound care practices across Europe. In this interview, Dr. Torra shares his professional journey, the importance of multidisciplinary approaches, and the future challenges in wound care.
The Role of EWMA in Advancing Wound Care
As a council member of EWMA, Dr. Torra is deeply committed to the organisation’s multidisciplinary and holistic approach to wound care. “For me, EWMA is a very important organisation that works under a European approach,” he says. “EWMA is multidisciplinary, and I am convinced that wound care is multidisciplinary.” This belief in the importance of collaboration across various healthcare disciplines is at the core of EWMA’s mission.
Dr. Torra also emphasises the importance of holistic, patient-centred care. “EWMA is convinced in a holistic care of the patients, a holistic approach, and in patient-centred care, which is important for me.”
His commitment to these principles is evident in his advocacy for prevention, patient safety, and evidence-based care. “For me, it is also so important to focus on prevention and patient safety. And obviously, it drives us to talk about evidence-based and safe care,” he adds.
Challenges in Wound Care
Looking ahead, Dr. Torra acknowledges that wound care faces significant challenges. “EWMA has a very challenging future,” he notes. One of the most pressing issues is the growing financial burden of wound care on healthcare systems. “We assume that at least 5% of the healthcare expenditure is related to wound care. This is important.”
Demographic changes, such as an aging population and the associated rise in comorbidities, present additional challenges. “The population is becoming older, and we should expect more comorbidities,” he warns.
Dr. Torra also highlights the need for improved practices, greater patient involvement in their care, and the expanding role of home care. “Home care in the future is challenging also,” he says.
The Future of Wound Care
Moreover, Dr. Torra believes that raising awareness about the importance of wound care among clinicians, patients, and policymakers is crucial. “We have challenges like improving the practice and involving patients in their care,” he explains.
“And it’s important to take this message not only to clinicians or patients but also to politicians, to put wound care on the agenda at European, national, and local levels.”
The EWMA Council
The Council is the main deciding body of EWMA.
The Council decides the overall goals and strategy of the association, what projects the organisation will work on, as well as preparing the yearly EWMA Conference.
There are 20 members of the council as well as appointed representatives of partner organizations.
All members of EWMA have the opportunity to candidate for Council in the annual election held prior to the EWMA conference.
