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TITLE
Survey of experiences amongst Ostomists using a stoma collar
INTRODUCTION
The stoma collar is designed to improve security, comfort and confidence for ostomists by preventing leakage and sore skin. In a Danish community study, 45% of stoma patients had a peristomal skin disorder and more than three quarters of these cases related to contact with stomal effluent (Herlufsen et al 2006). It was launched in the UK in January 2009.
We conducted this research in order to provide feedback from ostomists’ about their experiences when using the collar.
AIMS
· To find out how usage of the collar affected ostomists’ experiences during wear-time on various dimensions, eg: leakage, confidence, comfort, etc
· To examine the usage of accessories amongst users of the collar
· To assess whether usage of the collar lengthened wear-time
· To elicit data on the shape of stomas
METHODOLOGY
· A sample was drawn of ostomists using the collar consistently during the period since launch in January 2009
· 140 respondents were mailed a self-completion questionnaire
· 80 completed questionnaires were returned (response rate of 57%)
· Date of field work July 2009
MAIN FINDINGS
· 73% had been using the collar over three months
· 23% had decreased accessory usage
· 60% were more comfortable since using the collar
· 56% were more secure
· 54% reported better skin condition
· 55% reported less leaks
· 59% were more confident
CONCLUSIONS
Respondents reported extension of wear-time, varying from up to one day to 4/5 days and the ability to do things they could not do prior to using the collar as a result of greater confidence, no leaks or a reduction in leakage, less irritation and pain, less frequent and easier changes. The collar can help enable ostomists to get on with their lives without worries or embarrassment. It can be used with different stoma types, sizes and shapes.
Survey of experiences amongst Ostomists using a stoma collar
INTRODUCTION
The stoma collar is designed to improve security, comfort and confidence for ostomists by preventing leakage and sore skin. In a Danish community study, 45% of stoma patients had a peristomal skin disorder and more than three quarters of these cases related to contact with stomal effluent (Herlufsen et al 2006). It was launched in the UK in January 2009.
We conducted this research in order to provide feedback from ostomists’ about their experiences when using the collar.
AIMS
· To find out how usage of the collar affected ostomists’ experiences during wear-time on various dimensions, eg: leakage, confidence, comfort, etc
· To examine the usage of accessories amongst users of the collar
· To assess whether usage of the collar lengthened wear-time
· To elicit data on the shape of stomas
METHODOLOGY
· A sample was drawn of ostomists using the collar consistently during the period since launch in January 2009
· 140 respondents were mailed a self-completion questionnaire
· 80 completed questionnaires were returned (response rate of 57%)
· Date of field work July 2009
MAIN FINDINGS
· 73% had been using the collar over three months
· 23% had decreased accessory usage
· 60% were more comfortable since using the collar
· 56% were more secure
· 54% reported better skin condition
· 55% reported less leaks
· 59% were more confident
CONCLUSIONS
Respondents reported extension of wear-time, varying from up to one day to 4/5 days and the ability to do things they could not do prior to using the collar as a result of greater confidence, no leaks or a reduction in leakage, less irritation and pain, less frequent and easier changes. The collar can help enable ostomists to get on with their lives without worries or embarrassment. It can be used with different stoma types, sizes and shapes.