Unique Ostomy Education in the Pediatric Setting

Purpose:  The creation of a standardized approach and clinical guidelines for pediatric post-operative ostomy care as well as the development of a nursing education program surrounding the care of the ostomy patient. 

Method: Development of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) which include a family teaching guide (information sheets) for all pediatric patients with new ostomies.  The CPG directs nursing care for these patients by outlining the expectation of each post-operative day.   Each nurse is then able to provide consistent care thereby improving the outcomes of each patient.  The family teaching guidelines/information sheets provide a stepwise approach to ostomy care including aspects of post-discharge ostomy care from dietary guidelines to an appliance change. 

Patient/Family education surrounding new ostomy care is part of the nursing role in preparing patients for discharge.   Most nurses, however, express fear and anxiety about having to provide ostomy teaching to their pediatric patients despite the development of information sheets and guidelines. A nursing education program has been developed by the Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse and a core group of nursing staff interested in ostomy care to increase proficiency and decrease anxiety of nurses caring for the ostomy patients. Power Point presentations were developed to review the steps of an ostomy appliance change and reinforce teaching for families.

Nursing Implications: This presentation assists in alleviating the anxieties of nurses by providing them with a standardized visual guide during an appliance change, leaving nurses feeling more confident about providing education.  This presentation also functions as a visual aid for families, thus maximizing the education experience.