Group Pre op Ostomy Education Class: Positive outcomes for patients

Group Pre op Ostomy Education Class:

Providing Education and Support for ostomy patients

Problem:

In evaluating the care of our ostomy patients, we found that many of our ostomy patients had frequent readmissions to the hospital.  Reasons for readmission included dehydration, obstruction and lack of knowledge of caring for their ostomy.  This creates anxiety for the patient and thus recovery is hampered.

Solution to the problem:

The WOC nurses and Care Coordinator met with our chief colorectal surgeon and urology surgeons to coordinate and idea to prepare and educate their patients for ostomy surgery. Introducing the WOC team was very important that the patient knew a familiar face when they were admitted to the hospital.  The goals of the class were to decrease patient anxiety, decrease hospital length of stay, prevent hospital readmission (within 30 days), promote quality patient outcomes, improve patient satisfaction, improved WOC nurse utilization of time and expertise.

During the class, we show a pre made video which explains what an ostomy is, how to care for it, skin issues and pouching.  After the video, we review key points of the video, and then patients are given the opportunity to cut and apply a pouch to a “fake stoma” and learn how to open and close the pouch. Questions are answered about having an ostomy.  Care coordination and Nutritionist also present to the class on their role in the patients care. 

Results:       

            Over 150 patients attended the Pre Op Ostomy Education Class, 10 had no surgery done and 9 did not receive a stoma. Patient’s evaluations found that it was very helpful in preparing for surgery and all their questions were answered.  Our readmission rate did decrease, patients were better prepared to care for their stoma and therefore patients anxiety decreased.