Cost/Savings Benefit of Single Use - Prepackaged Ostomy Supplies

 Topic: Evaluation of a product formulary is a key responsibility of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence ( WOC) nurse.  Changes to the formulary are generally based on outcomes and cost savings.  Within the formulary, the WOC nurse supports staff at the bedside to make product selection for patients on an individual basis.  For the bedside staff caring for a patient with an ostomy, confusion, poor outcomes and product waste may occur if the nurse is provided with an expanse of product choices in an electronic medical record ordering system.

Purpose: To simplify ostomy product selection for the bedside nurse in an effort to eliminate waste and produce cost savings.  To provide an individualized amount of ostomy supplies to patients based on their length of stay.

Objective: To demonstrate the cost savings benefit of prepackaged unit dose ostomy equipment versus current supply which consists of boxes of 10 pouches and 10 barriers.

Outcome:  With the introduction of unit dose kits, we realized a 20% cost savings compared to the previous 12 months.  Additionally, staff are empowered to make pouching selections more confidently with a simplified selection.