Structuring an Ostomy Program for a Limitless Future

Structuring an Ostomy Program for a Limitless Future

There are many facets unique to the Ostomy population.  Ostomy patients require the learning of new skills to remaster self-care, often causing stress.  This stress may affect adaption and independence in self-care and may cause emotional distress, anxiety and depression.  Developing a structured and standardized discharge program during this vulnerable time is paramount to long-term adjustment and the success of the ostomy patient.

Problem: Appropriate discharge of Ostomy patients is often a challenge and needs to be addressed in order to promote self-management and independence.  The increase in the ostomy patient population and patient complexity in our facility necessitated a review and revamp of our education and discharge process.

Interventions:

-Scenarios and scripts were developed to standardize education, promote healthy boundaries and preserve WOC practice.

-The interdisciplinary team is utilized to maintain therapeutic relationships between the WOCN and patients and address the varying and unique needs of the ostomy patient.

-Using formal pre-screening including a check-list with clear reason for visit, email communication, hospital-based electronic communication and distal support including “stoma selfies” helps increase patient satisfaction, reduce hospital readmissions and improve outcomes as well as increase the appropriate utilization of WOCN services.

-The discharge package includes resources that help promote resiliency, independence, options, hope and pride for the ostomy patient.   Trouble-shooting resources provided promote independence in management for stoma-related issues.

 The Limitless Future:

We are looking to initiate virtual triage to assist in assessment of post-discharge ostomy patients.  Additional outpatient days and hours are planned to help decrease hospital readmissions for manageable stomal issues.  Further study of outcomes and trends in conjunction with Colorectal surgery and General surgery is being planned with review of the post-discharge Ostomy program modifications