Purpose:  Care of oncology patients with ostomies and draining wounds has been a challenge.  Convexity has been used successfully within ostomy care.  The purpose of this poster is to review the use of products to create convexity for meeting the needs in other clinical situations in addition to ostomies.  The intent is to provide innovative options to assist in the containment of drainage and the prevention of skin damage.

Objectives:  As a National Cancer Institute & Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Wound,Ostomy,Continence (WOC) nurses in our facility care for oncology patients with complex clinical needs.  The wide variety of challenges requires the creative use of products for the benefit of our patients. 

WOC consultation services are provided for in-patients and out-patients with ostomies, fistulas, draining tube sites and feeding tubes.  Our main objectives involve protection of skin; containment of drainage; improved output measurements; enhancement of patient comfort; and optimization of nursing time.    

Outcomes: Patients report significant reduction in pain and discomfort when skin integrity and cleanliness are achieved with a convex barrier ring and pouch application. Intact pouching systems also ensure accurate output measurements. Compared to previous management methods, this product allows for versatility and improved outcomes for many of our more challenging patients.  Because they are easy to use, the procedures are simplified and staff can provide continuity of care when the WOC nurse is not available.

Conclusion:  The innovative use of convex barrier rings in a variety of complex clinical applications has provided skin protection, extended ostomy wear time, and enhanced patient comfort.   

Financial Disclosure/Assistance:  We gratefully acknowledge the support of Hollister Incorporated.

* Adapt Convex Barrier Rings, Hollister Incorporated