A Comprehensive View on Ostomy Education: Integration of Technology

Historically at the Level 1 Magnet Recognized Trauma Center, didactic ostomy education was provided by the WOC nurse to the patient with return demonstration. Often, these patients were given multiple education handouts to review during hospitalization and after discharge. Patient’s reported the cumbersome amount of paperwork would be lost in the shuffle or discarded inadvertently when the patient arrived home.

Healthcare providers are advancing toward mobile health technology allowing patients to receive education, monitor progress, answer questions, and give advice (1). As a result of abbreviated post-operative hospitalization days, patients were discharged to home achieving the goal of independent pouch emptying. With a focus on hospital readmission rates, the WOC nurse team recognized patients were returning within 30 days due to dehydration, education deficiencies and the inability to provide self-care.

The quality improvement innovation became a primary focus for the WOC nurse team and addressing the individualized patient learning needs. These platforms included: integration of electronic technology and smart device applications for those patients identified with advanced visual and auditory learning needs. Patients and caregivers utilized the technology while hospitalized and after discharge as it is easily carried into the home environment. Previous integration of patient education technology programs demonstrated 15% decrease in readmission rates and 63% increase in patient satisfaction HCAHPS scores (2). Introduction of the electronic technology platforms allowed for home health organizations to collaborate with the WOC nurse team and ensure focused education was continued.

By utilizing multiple patient education technology platforms during hospitalization; a novel approach to meet the homebound patient educational process after discharge was achieved. Utilizing the electronic medical record and focused reports; readmission rates decreased significantly, return outpatient visits increased, and collaboration with home health providers improved.