Going Home with an Ostomy: What Can We Do Better?

Going Home with an Ostomy:  What Can We Do Better?

 Purpose:  Support provided immediately after ostomy surgery can be varied.  This poster will discuss the results of a study completed to examine patients’ ability to cope with the effect of having a stoma.  The value of an organized transition program was evaluated.

Statement of Problem:  The successful transition of ostomy patients from hospital to home has become more challenging.  This is due in part to shorter hospital stays, sicker patients, decreased access to follow-up care, and a lack of expertise in home care.  The literature supports that ostomy patients are struggling after discharge with physical, emotional, and psychological adjustment. 

Methods:  Fifty patients were surveyed to evaluate their adjustment following ostomy surgery.  Study population represented all ostomy types as well as temporary and permanent stomas.  The WOC nurses qualified patients according to predetermined criteria and received patients’ permission.  Patients were then randomly assigned to be enrolled in a transition program to support them after discharge or not. 

One week after discharge from the hospital, the patient was contacted via phone and completed a survey to evaluate their adjustment to their ostomy.  The patient was again surveyed eight weeks following the first survey.  Initial results indicate a benefit when patients are connected to resources.

Other observations that will be reported will include:

• Internet usage
• Value of home health
• Financial concerns related to ostomy
• Areas that patients report as most stressful

Conclusion:  Early indicators seem to support a benefit when patients are connected to resources beyond what home care can offer. 

Disclosure Statement:  The support of Hollister Incorporated is gratefully acknowledged.