Streamlining Care of the Ostomy Patient

Historically, our facility had different Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse staff for each aspect of care.  The outpatient team performed stoma marking and began teaching. They were available to see the patient after discharge to continue the educational process along with problem solving.  During the hospitalization, a different team of nurses managed care and coordinated follow up. At times this would leave care of the ostomy patient disjointed.
Ostomy nurses understand and recognize the many challenges faced by new ostomy patients.  When new ostomates encounter episodes of leakage prior to determining the most appropriate pouching system, distress and feelings of being overwhelmed are common reactions.  Accurate assessment of the stoma and pouching system in a timely manor is crucial to optimize patient psychological adjustment and independence in ostomy care.  
The hospital wound ostomy team devised a plan for integrating care between the hospital and ambulatory settings.  This process has helped streamline continuity of care to make it more efficient for patients experiencing problems.   As each member of the wound ostomy team provides coverage in both settings on a regular basis, patients encounter the same nurses throughout their pre operative and post operative course. All team members have access to patient information via team discussions, dialogue, and forms standardization. The team members provide consistent care across the continuum developing a firm rapport and comfort level with each patient.