Ostomy Accessories: Necessary Tools or Nice to Have Options?

Statement of Problem:

As the cost of health care continues to increase, the use of all ostomy supplies are being evaluated for their measurable value.  Sometimes, the very basic products are being provided.  Some patients are even being denied coverage or access to products they have used in their ostomy care.  Ostomy care should be driven by clinical evidence and not merely product costs.

 

Summary:

Accessories can serve a variety of purposes in state-of-the-art ostomy care.  Ostomy accessories may help to enhance performance of a pouching system.  This may be done through extending wear time or creating a secure fit.  An accessory may be used to manage a problem like peristomal skin erosion.  Ostomy accessories can also provide an improved quality of life, for example, by eliminating odor or making the process of emptying a pouch easier. 

Used correctly, products in this category should serve a purpose and provide a quantifiable advantage.  A patient or staff may misuse or misunderstand the purpose of a specific accessory.  This may cause it to have little or even a detrimental impact on the care of that patient.  As clinicians, we need to make sure that we examine our own practice and document the outcomes of our product use.

This poster will use photos and case study examples to demonstrate how accessories can improve outcomes for adult and pediatric ostomy patients and in wound care. 

Conclusion:

As WOC nurses, we have more products and more challenging patients.  It is incumbent upon us to utilize these resources and document the evidence that supports our clinical practice.  Additionaly, we need to continue the education of staff and patients as to the correct and most judicious use of ostomy accessories.

References:

Smith J, et al:  A Ring is Not Just a Ring:  Creative Use of Ostomy Accessories.  WOCN Poster Presentation, 2009.