Collaboration Creates Excellence: Reflections on EWMA 2026
The recent European Wound Management Association (EWMA) Conference 2026 in Bremen, Germany, offered an opportunity to reflect not only on how far wound care has progressed, but also on the power of collaboration in driving innovation, education and better patient outcomes.
Having been a member of EWMA for more than 30 years, I have seen the conference evolve significantly. What was once a relatively modest European meeting has grown into a truly global event. This year’s figures alone demonstrate the scale and influence of EWMA 2026, with more than 6,000 participants, 955 oral presentations and 166 exhibitors.
Despite its size, EWMA continues to remain grounded in its core mission: bringing together research, education and real-world clinical practice to improve wound care internationally.
Collaboration at the Heart of EWMA
One of the strongest impressions from this year’s conference was the emphasis on collaboration and practical problem-solving. EWMA increasingly fosters an environment where clinicians, researchers and industry partners openly share ideas, challenge current thinking and work together to improve patient care.
As both a presenter and delegate, it was particularly encouraging to see how engaged audiences have become. Delegates are no longer passive recipients of information; the Q&A sessions throughout the conference were thoughtful, challenging and highly interactive. This willingness to question, debate and share experiences can only strengthen learning and clinical practice across the wound care community.
Reviews shared across LinkedIn and other platforms following the conference reflected the high standard of evidence presented and the impact delegates believe it will have on their day-to-day practice.
Accelerate CIC Contributions at EWMA 2026
It was a privilege to be involved in developing the scientific programme and to see several colleagues from Accelerate CIC contributing across the conference.
Some highlights included:
LoCUS Study: Accelerate Strapping Approach
Georgina Ritchie and Karen Staines presented within both the main EWMA programme and the International Compression Club on the multisite LoCUS study, evaluating the impact of the Accelerate Strapping approach.
The findings generated significant interest and discussion and represent exciting progress in supporting improved outcomes for people living with lower-limb ulceration.
Pre-Conference Compression Therapy Masterclass
Georgina, Fran Campbell and I were also involved in delivering the pre-conference Compression Therapy Masterclass. It was a fantastic opportunity to work alongside highly experienced colleagues from across Europe and an enjoyable challenge to deliver such a comprehensive programme within a single day.
Lower Limb Function and Wound Healing
Fran Campbell delivered an excellent session exploring the impact of musculoskeletal impairment on lower-limb function and wound healing.
I was particularly proud to have supported the development of this session in collaboration with physiotherapy colleagues from Greece, Mexico and Spain – a wonderful example of international multidisciplinary working.
Optimising Compression Therapy
As Chair of the Compression Therapy Programme, I presented sessions focusing on:
- Optimising compression therapy
- Venous leg ulcer management
- Supporting patient adherence with compression therapy
One of the most impactful elements of these sessions was the inclusion of patient videos. Hearing directly from patients about their experiences often communicates more powerfully than any clinical presentation ever could.
A Proud Personal Milestone
Following a period of being co-opted onto the EWMA Council, I was incredibly proud this year to be formally voted onto the Council by EWMA members.
It is an exciting opportunity and one I look forward to contributing to in the years ahead.
Education – and a Little Singing!
EWMA is also a reminder that education and collaboration should be engaging and memorable.
Each year, the Compression Therapy Programme aims to capture attention and raise awareness of the importance of compression therapy in creative ways. This year, alongside our now-traditional themed t-shirts, we stepped even further outside our comfort zone by performing with a choir to a rewritten version of the Beach Boys classic:
“Wouldn’t it be nice if legs had no pain…”
It was certainly memorable – and, importantly, it sparked conversations and engagement around compression therapy throughout the conference.
Raising Awareness of Compression Therapy
The overarching aim of the Compression Therapy Programme remains simple: to raise awareness of the importance of effective compression therapy in the management of lower-limb wounds.
The programme offers a wide range of educational videos and resources in multiple languages, all designed to support clinicians in practice.
This focus aligns closely with the mission of Accelerate CIC, which has always championed the importance of optimising compression therapy to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Looking Ahead
EWMA 2026 reinforced the importance of collaboration, challenge and shared learning in advancing wound care practice internationally.
While the conference may be over, the conversations – and the work to improve care – continue.