Creative Methods for Teaching Ostomy Basics to Nurses

INTRODUCTION:   The purpose of this poster is to show how a 125 bed hospital in a rural community utilized the bedside nurses to provide basic ostomy care.  To encourage the bedside nurses to provide basic ostomy care in the absence of the ostomy nurse, a teaching session was developed.  The goal was to teach basic ostomy skills in a fun, non- threatening environment using some unique techniques and hands on methods.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Describe differences between an ileostomy, colostomy, and urostomy
2. Demonstrate how to choose the most appropriate ostomy wafer
3. Demonstrate how to empty and rinse an ostomy pouch
4. Describe peristomal complications
5. Identify when to contact the ostomy nurse
6. Demonstrate how to apply ostomy paste around a stoma or pouch
7. Demonstrate  how to attach a down drain bag to a urostomy pouch

METHODS:

• Session entitled:  “Don’t Know Much About Ostomy.”
• Matching Game – match the ostomy supplies with the correct use/description.
• Ostomy pouches were filled with various “substances” to mimic stool consistencies. 
• Stoma models of various shapes and sizes were matched to appropriate appliances.
• Laminated pictures of peristomal complications were matched with treatments and products – nurses were taught when to call the ostomy nurse.
• A “stoma” made from styrofoam, gummy candy, foam, egg cartons, or wax was given to each participant to practice applying paste. Tooth paste was used to mimic ostomy paste.
• A race to see who could attach a down drain bag to a urostomy pouch the fastest using the correct adapter.
• Treats included candy bars and gummy raspberries.

OUTCOME:

Nurses were more familiar with peristomal issues and treatments, knew when to contact the ostomy nurse, felt like they could apply an ostomy appliance, and had fun learning about ostomies.