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In 2006, the hospital WOC nurses became concerned that varying devices were being inserted into the rectum in an attempt to control diarrhea. A major concern was the potential of damage to the rectal sphincters and skin from indiscriminate use of Foley tubes, nasal trumpets and other non approved devices.
Various options designed for the purpose of fecal containment were considered, and a fecal management system which was FDA cleared for this specific use was selected. The silicone balloon in the rectal vault spares the rectal mucosa and rectal sphincters from the higher pressures potentially caused by the other devices, and it was found to be easy to use and effective in containing diarrhea. The stool is contained in an odor-resistant, transparent pouch which is marked to allow for accurate measurement of the output.
Having decided on the preferred system, the next concern was to assure that the tube was safely and appropriately used. The exhibited forms were developed for pre and post tube insertion to ensure appropriate patient selection and maximum benefit with the FMS. In-servicing was conducted for all the nursing units on the use of the device. Ultimately, it was decided to restrict the responsibility of, and training for, the actual insertion procedure to WOC nurses and critical care nurses.
The physicians were not familiar with the indications and contraindications for the FMS. To help them effectively determine the indications for use, a critical care check list and an MD order set were implemented. The last form created to support the use of the FMS, was a nursing documentation sheet, which addressed proper maintenance of both the tube positioning and the patient response.
With use of the FMS, we found a dramatic decrease in the frequency of skin damage, decreased work load for nursing staff and increased accuracy of output records.
Product Notation
Flexi-Seal Fecal Management System
Trademarks
Flexi-Seal is a registered trademark of ConvaTec Inc.
SC-00020-US
Various options designed for the purpose of fecal containment were considered, and a fecal management system which was FDA cleared for this specific use was selected. The silicone balloon in the rectal vault spares the rectal mucosa and rectal sphincters from the higher pressures potentially caused by the other devices, and it was found to be easy to use and effective in containing diarrhea. The stool is contained in an odor-resistant, transparent pouch which is marked to allow for accurate measurement of the output.
Having decided on the preferred system, the next concern was to assure that the tube was safely and appropriately used. The exhibited forms were developed for pre and post tube insertion to ensure appropriate patient selection and maximum benefit with the FMS. In-servicing was conducted for all the nursing units on the use of the device. Ultimately, it was decided to restrict the responsibility of, and training for, the actual insertion procedure to WOC nurses and critical care nurses.
The physicians were not familiar with the indications and contraindications for the FMS. To help them effectively determine the indications for use, a critical care check list and an MD order set were implemented. The last form created to support the use of the FMS, was a nursing documentation sheet, which addressed proper maintenance of both the tube positioning and the patient response.
With use of the FMS, we found a dramatic decrease in the frequency of skin damage, decreased work load for nursing staff and increased accuracy of output records.
Product Notation
Flexi-Seal Fecal Management System
Trademarks
Flexi-Seal is a registered trademark of ConvaTec Inc.
SC-00020-US