Providing Ostomy Care Across the Continuum

Title:

Providing Ostomy Care Across the Continuum 

Objective:

To have patients be successful with their ostomy care to the best of their ability while promoting optimal quality of life. 

Background: The WOC nurses sought a more consistent and comprehensive way of providing care throughout the ostomy surgery experience. Methodology: Using Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring to guide our professional practice, a comprehensive ostomy program was developed. Our practice was guided by focusing on the patient-nurse relationship, WOC nurse role, and human caring. Preoperative stoma site marking and education were encouraged to establish rapport and reduce anxiety. During the inpatient postoperative period, we provided education and support to the patient and the primary caregiver for basic ostomy care. Patients were referred prior to discharge, to the appropriate industry supported discharge program. The WOC nurses communicated with a representative for the industry discharge program to coordinate ostomy supply needs. In the outpatient setting, home care nurses reinforced teaching and independent ostomy management. The outpatient wound/ostomy clinic was available for assessment and intervention related to stomal and peristomal problems. The WOC nurses further organized an outpatient ostomy support group, to remain available to the ostomy population in the community.