Ostomy Quiz

PURPOSE: In our ambulatory Digestive and Liver Clinic, there are many nurses who are not current on ostomy care.  In celebration of Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nursing week in April 2011, a poster of Ostomy Quiz was set up to educate nurses. OBJECTIVE: To increase the knowledge of ostomy appliances and its use to nurses.  METHODOLOGY: A poster of Ostomy Quiz was made with pictures of 16 common ostomy appliances and accessories.  Nurses, physician assistants, and doctors were invited to review the poster. They took the quiz of naming the products, and open discussion of each use. OUTCOME: Not only nurses, but the other health care providers were interested in participation. Ostomy products were displayed for hands on experience. With 14 participants, everyone was able to identify the products and its use. Participates were educated about uncommon products, such as barrier rings, hernia belt, and stoma cap. They felt more comfortable to take care of ostomates after reviewing the poster.  The poster was used again for another in-service in the surgery clinic to promote ostomy care. The best use of the poster was reusing all the pictures for an informative binder called “Resource Book for Ostomy Care”.  It was placed in the clinic for everyone to use, and updated periodically as new products became available. Even patients can find the book resourceful.  As the patients progress in their recovery, they need different products. They remembered some products which they had seen before and which they did not need during the previous visit. This book has helped patients to educate themselves to improve their quality of life.