Ostomy Champions Program

Participation in the Ostomy Champions Program was offered to nurses interested in expanding knowledge, skills and ability to provide the best care to patients admitted to a large homecare network. 

When a patient has ostomy surgery, the hospital stay is usually short and the patient and caregiver lack the time necessary to learn basic ostomy care, diet and lifestyle changes, and learn to cope with the body-image changes. 

The homecare nurses are responsible for building on the initial education received following surgery. The nurses also need the skill to identify patient challenges and needs that may not have been revealed in the hospital setting. From January 2015 to present, the large homecare network admitted 442+ patients with new or established ostomies. Literature reveals that a caregiver who demonstrates a disapproving or fearful attitude toward the patient, the ostomy, or the pouching system can have a detrimental effect on the patient’s recovery from ostomy surgery. Therefore, it is important that nurses caring for the patient should be educated regarding the techniques of basic care of an ostomy and selection of proper pouches.

Nurses in each homecare region were identified to complete a three month educational program including eight hours of accredited didactic ostomy education, a clinical experience, and a wrap-up webinar to expand their professional knowledge in relation to patients with ostomies. Following accomplishment of the program requirements, these nurses are considered champions in providing ostomy care.