Stoma CARE DEVELOPMENT IN Kenya

BACKGROUND.

There is no established stoma nursing in Kenya with growing number patients with stomas,

fistulae and incontinence.  Nurses lack skills and knowledge required to handle these

cases.   The situation is compounded by lack of stoma products

OBJECTIVE:

To discuss the process of establishing stoma nursing in Kenya, the issues, and challenges METHOD

Aga Khan University hospital, Nairobi in recognizing the challenges faced by nurses taking care of ostomates and the challenges faced by the ostomates and their families approached the WCET to partner in developing an introductory stoma course. This was the first ever formal stoma education session in East Africa.  28 nurses from all regions in Kenya were selected to participate. The course content for the one week program was discussed with the course facilitator via email before flying in from South Africa.  The program covered basics of stoma care, anatomy and physiology and patient and family preparation. Participants used role play to practice on various aspects of stoma care. RESULTS/OUTCOMES

Participants have continued showing interest in improving the care of stoma patients by

Seeking to establish stoma clinics in their institutions.  One nurse has already joined WCET.

. There is, for the first time an ostomate support group comprising of 20 members WCET  is establishing a system whereby extremely needy patients from Kenya will

be supplied with ostomy products by individual nurse and other sponsors from

Australia. 15 patients have benefited and more are set to benefit under

this program RECOMMENDATIONS

There is need to conduct phase two of training to build on this basic program. Participants of

program will need local and international support in   lobbying for stoma products

institutionalizing stoma care in Kenya  and networking ostomates.  The model used to deliver

this program can be replicated in other resource challenged settings through collaborations and

partnerships.