PROVISION of Practical Stoma CARE for PATIENTS WHO Are Unable to MANAGE Their Own CARE

This project was commenced in 2001 to address the lack of awareness of the local Social Services Department. Specifically in relation to patients who had undergone stoma formation and were subsequently unable to manage their own stoma care due to pre exisitng medical conditions. Stutchfield (2000) noted that the elderly or disabled are particularly vulnerable following stoma surgery and this can result in shock or disgust regarding their ability to cope with loss of bodily functions.

Locally, Community (District) Nurses were unable to provide practical support to this group of patients. An increase in the most vulnerable patient group (age 65+ ) was identified via the local census information. Prior to the implementation of the teaching programme  patients who also had restricted dexterity or blindness were unable to go home after stoma surgery unless there was a family member who was prepared to accept responsibility for managing their stoma care. Those patients who had no family remained in hospital until a nursing home could be found.This impacted significantly on their self esteem and patients often felt rejection at not being able to return home. Lack of support also increases patient anxiety. Since implementation, the educational sessions have been extended and are now delivered by the Stoma Care Nurses (SCN's) to all care agencies in the local area. There are also regular requests to train new staff members.This presentation will demonstrate the benefits to patients as a result of implementing the sessions. It will also look specifically at the teaching method, aims, objectives and elements of care / management delivered to the carers. Home care agency involvement is not iutilised as a substitute to the SCN but to maintain a patients optimum quality of life following stoma surgery.