Foundation Course in Stoma Care; Impact and Evaluation

Introduction

UK Stoma Care Nurses (SCN) reported challenges educating ward and community nurses in their units. problems included difficulty obtaining study leave and lack of appropriate courses available. A focus group of SCN's were invited to discuss the problems and an outline for a course was developed.

Objective

The objectives of the course are to provide knowledge and skills in stoma care through a professionally accredited course that is accessible to all nurses through distance learning and provided free of charge.

Method

The course was developed to include an interactive CD Rom with four comprehensive modules covering all aspects of anatomy, physiology, colorectal conditions, surgical procedures and stoma care, enhanced by patient cases discussing the impact of psychological, emotional and lifestyle issues. There is a workbook and the course completes with a clinical skills workshop and is accredited by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

Outcome

The course is available throughout the UK and has become the gold standard in many areas for all nurses working in colorectal units. To date 1,400 nurses have registered for the course, evaluation is ongoing and analysis will be presented. Results identify that nurses gain valuable knowledge, skills and confidence in stoma care through a certificated professional RCN Accredited qualification.