Purpose: This project examined what factors are documented by nurses to describe peristomal skin lesions (e.g., color, size); and the different terms used to describe peristomal skin lesions in children.
Methods: Data were collected through retrospective chart review. Conceptual content analysis and descriptive statistics were used for the analysis.
Results: Finding from peristomal skin lesion documentation were categorized into issues common to paper charting and issues specific to peristomal skin documentation.
Paper charting issues:
- readability, handwriting, misspellings,
- inconsistent location for the charting, and
- use of ambiguous phrases and symbols
Peristomal skin documentation issues:
- ostomy charted but skin not mentioned
- many ways to say normal
- inconsistences in describing
- color
- location
- size
- difficult to track healing progress
Implications for Clinical Practice: This study is part of a larger dissertation study examining a standardized peristomal skin assessment tool for use by clinicians and parents. This study illustrates the importance of standardized descriptions of peristomal skin lesions. Consistent descriptions of peristomal lesions provide a way to compare interventions, match interventions with peristomal skin conditions, and assess outcomes across time and between patients. These are crucial steps to developing evidence to support quality care and efficiently manage and prevent peristomal skin lesions.