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One challenge that faces the ostomy nurse in the pediatric population is providing a dependable ostomy pouching system that is easily taught to patients and families. Clinical outcomes with moldable technology in adult, sister hospitals were successful. The innovative approach of this technology combines easy product usage without scissors or the need for secondary barriers or paste. This simplifies the teaching process and can streamline the use of ostomy accessories. Our objective is to assess the functionality of moldable technology with pediatric ostomy patients.
Four patients are presented with clinical pictures: a toddler with a large stoma who was placed in a moldable skin barrier because it was the only 2 1/4" barrier available, a toddler with stoma laceration changed from a cut-to-fit barrier to moldable to create gently hugging of the stoma, a pre-teen with a colostomy in moldable as personal choice by mother / patient for easy use, and a quadriplegic teenager with a urostomy placed in moldable to simplify education for mother who had a language barrier.
Nine pediatric patients were placed in flat moldable technology with ages ranging from two to nineteen years. The two year old could not successfully use the moldable option because the skin barrier was too large for the child's narrow abdomen. Eight patients, ages four to nineteen years, had successful outcomes using moldable technology. A key outcome in the pre-teen / teenager group was the easy hands-on technique fostered independence. Active toddlers were placed in moldable barriers: one with a large changing stoma, the other with stoma laceration. The smooth rolled edges and gently hugging helped the laceration to heal. Parents in the toddler group report the application process caters to active toddlers. Overall, moldable technology is a successful option for pediatric pateints and their families.
*ConvaTec Moldable Technology Skin Barrier