Enterstomal Therapy: Improving Access and Quality through Collaboration and Creativity

For people living with an ostomy and experiencing related wounds, access to Enterostomal Therapy services (ET) in our community was non-existent in 2012. Feedback from the Ostomy Support group clearly identified that timely, efficient access to an ET was the greatest gap in service. With no additional funding, our task was to create a multi access service for patients and providers in our community. The guiding principle for this work was the right care provider, at the right time in the right location. A review of the ET, RN and LPN roles revealed the need to develop a model of care that would support the guiding principle.  An environmental scan identified potential ET resources in the community.

Working collaboratively with leaders in acute care, primary care and continuing care, a process review was conducted to identify barriers to and opportunities for improved access. Through public and private partnership, two points of community access were established. Persons living with ostomies requiring the expertise of an ET can now self-refer at no cost to the patient. Family practice physicians and surgeons are also referring patients to the clinics. This model has provided a continuum of care that supports improved patient outcomes and experience, reduction in readmission rates and quality aftercare contributing to overall wellness in living. Implementation of the model has confirmed the great need for timely, efficient access to ET services.