An Innovative Mobile App to Support New Ostomates

The first mobile application (“app”) that offers ostomates access to evidence-based individualized support, privately, anytime and anywhere. Pocket WOC™’s engaging format supports new ostomates from diagnosis through recovery and adaptation, with personalized coaching and current information.

New ostomates are most vulnerable during the first twelve months after surgery in terms of physical recovery as well as psychosocial and emotional adjustment (Beitz et al., 2010; daSilva et al., 2008; Ito et al., 2012). Twenty-three percent experience post-operative complications requiring readmission within 90 days, most commonly due to dehydration, surgical site infection, or lack of ability to distinguish between normal and abnormal recovery (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2011). Smartphone applications for prevention and wellness form an emerging trend: Evidence-based, unbiased by industry and created by a healthcare professional, Pocket WOC™ meets all criteria for meaningful effectiveness in mobile apps (Wac, 2012).

The mobile app includes:

• · Unbiased information consistent with WOCN Society’s best practices
• · Individualized cutting pattern generated by photo of stoma
• · Tips and tricks forum (intimacy, travel, athletics, …)
• · Real-life advice from people with ostomies
• · Appliance user ratings and comments
• · Links to appliance manufacturers’ websites
• · Troubleshooting algorithms for common problems (blockage, pouchitis, ...)
• · Medication and dietary cautions
• · Personal log feature to track and record details of self care
• · Regular updates

The mobile app's online availability creates easy, on-the-go access to needed information. The app facilitates a more confident and less stressful integration of the new ostomy into the individual’s daily routine. Ultimately, decreased rates of readmission following ostomy surgery will validate the mobile app's effectiveness, as will new ostomates’ responses to the “Stoma-QOL” survey after using the app, compared to retrospective data. In today’s age of personal smart electronic tools, this ostomy mobile app is the next-best thing to ostomy nursing care.