Ostomies “R” Us: creation of a neonatal ostomy resource team

Problem Statement:   Neonatal ostomy care presents on-going challenges for providers.  Premature skin and stomas located on small abdominal surfaces within close proximity to other medical devices add to the challenges within this population.   While the unit has a long established, active skin care champion team that is available 24 hours a day to assess and initiate wound care for this population, gaps in the availability of the Ostomy CNS exist during the night and weekend shifts.   

Purpose:    The purpose of this team is to be a resource for the 200+ nursing staff and to initiate plans of care until evaluated by the CWOCN.  The creation of the ostomy resource team, known as “Ostomies R Us”, was developed in conjunction with nurses from the night and day shifts.  

Clinical Approach:   The committee was open to any nurse or nursing assistant interested in serving as an ostomy resource.  The members of the team received additional ostomy education, a 4-hour neonatal/pediatric shadow experience with the CWOCN, participated in quarterly meetings and received a packet with suggestions for difficult pouching situations.

Outcomes:  The team is proactive in delivering care to this fragile population, has developed  creative ways to address unit education needs, and functions as a resource for new and experienced staff in partnership with the CWOCN.

Conclusions: Skin care teams have been established in the acute care settings for many years and have assisted CWOCN’s in pressure ulcer prevention programs, initiation of care plans and education of unit staff.   The creation of an ostomy specific resource team is a creative model to increase the staff’s confidence and skill in providing ostomy care while also increasing awareness of the needs for this fragile population.