Pouching Made Easy: Creating an Essential Ostomy Tote for Emergency Room Nurses

Pouching Made Easy:

The Creation of an Essential Ostomy Tote

for Emergency Room Nurses

 Background: Over half a million Americans have some type of stoma. Over 100,000 ostomy surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year and this number continues to grow. Research has shown 70% of patients experience postoperative complications resulting in increased length of stay and higher readmission rates. Ostomates face multiple challenges post surgery related to leakage, prolapse, herniation, retractions and necrosis which can lead to a emergency room visit.

Purpose: To educate ED staff on basic ostomy management. To provide quick, easy tools to effectively manage ostomy care until patient can return home or be admitted for further evaluation by WOC nurse.

Method: WOC nurses collaborated with ED unit shared governance and supplier representative. WOC’s created Ostomy Tote, containing all supplies and care guides needed for pouch changing. WOC nurse created ostomy appliance algorithm for straightforward decision making. Team created an education board to teach basic skills. WOC’s presented tote to ED shared governance and other meetings.

Results: Through survey, this approach developed a nurturing environment promoting a positive experience of ostomates in the ED. The tote provided the necessary tools for ED nurses to effectively manage ostomy care. Essential supplies are accessible for quick ostomy management. WOC and ED nurses collaboratively worked to bridge the gap in providing competent ostomy care.

Conclusion: Utilization of an essential ostomy tote in the ED can assist the team to effectively manage urgent ostomy needs. ED staff request immediate assistance from WOC nurses which may result in use of resources, utilization, and time management of WOC nurses.