Moldable Skin Barriers*: A New Tool in the Canadian ET Toolbox

WOCN 2010 Abstract
Title: Moldable Skin Barriers*: A New Tool in the Canadian ET Toolbox  

Achieving an adequate weartime for an ostomy skin barrier is one of the largest challenges that an ET/WOCN and ostomy client face. This involves creating an adequate seal to prevent leakage and protect the peristomal skin while being easy for the client to apply and comfortable to wear. Up until recently, clients had the choice of cutting barriers to fit their stoma, or, if there stoma was round, they had the option of using pre-cut barriers. However, many clients have oval or irregular stomas. In addition, frequent resizing is necessary for pre-cut barriers, which can be costly and time consuming. Recently, a moldable skin barrier (MSB) became available providing an additional option when selecting a skin barrier. This poster identifies 3 case studies that will demonstrate how MSB can be used in several clinical situations to address some of the sizing and weartime problems ostomy clients face. Specifically, we will discuss the use of MSB in young active clients, in clients with budded stomas on either flat or creased abdominal surfaces, and in clients with irregular-shaped stomas. In these three cases described, MSB proved to be effective, providing clinical examples of clients and stomas that may benefit from using a moldable skin barrier. Specifically, the clients found the MSB helped provide good weartime, decrease skin breakdown and ease of application due to molding. The poster will also discuss the decision process involved with selecting a skin barrier for an ostomy client. This is a complex process that must take into consideration both client and stoma factors, no skin barrier will work in every situation. These cases described can help guide the ET/WOCN in considering the use of MSB for their ostomy client. This can aid in the difficult task of finding the optimal ostomy management solution for your client.