Problem: Our medical facility recently made a conversion to one manufacturer to simplify our product formulary. Since a like barrier ring was not available we stayed with our previous manufacturer. This made it a bit confusing for our staff and elderly population. When a new barrier technology became available from the chosen manufacturer, we were open to an evaluation but it had to perform as well without increasing costs, or we would not switch.

Past Management: We use barrier rings and seals primarily for problem solving. We serve a geriatric population where the average age is 75. Many of their stomas are temporary and not always well-constructed or sited. The barrier rings help us manage difficult stomas and provide a secure seal.

Clinical Approach: In a clinical trial, the rings were used on ten challenging patients over a two month time period, including a patient with an ileostomy with denuded skin, a colostomy in a skin fold, a patient with a flush colostomy, a urostomy in a skin fold, and with a patient who had a wound VAC on a dehisced midline incision close to a colostomy. Through case studies, this poster will demonstrate how this product addressed our patient's needs.

Outcomes: We found the new rings as durable and effective as our previous product. In the outpatient clinic it worked well to resolve skin breakdown. We also found it easier for our elderly patients to use, very moldable and more cost effective. The packaging was preferred by both staff and patients since it was easier to open.

Conclusions: Although we initially believed that our current product met all our needs, we discovered that trying something new had many benefits for our staff and patients.

The support of Hollister for this project is gratefully acknowledged.