Ostomy Emergency Box: The answer to a Staff Nurse Clinical Practice Problem

WOCN National Conference 2018 Abstract The Ostomy Emergency Box: An Answer to a Staff Nurse Clinical Practice Problem. Nurses need to have the necessary equipment to care for any patient with an ostomy issue. In our facility one piece cut-to-fit appliances are available on nursing units as a par level item. There are times when a patient with an ostomy has an issue that cannot be resolved using the standard one piece pouch. The WOCN nurses are available for consult but are not always in the building. During education sessions, several nurses discussed the occurrence of issues with leakage when a flat one piece pouch does not provide the correct fit for the patient. They report that they have visited other units in the hospital in search of ostomy equipment without a clear plan to address the particular difficulty. To address this issue, we have further developed the Emergency Ostomy Boxes originally provided by a colleague to include an process comprised of improved instructions, guidance, and supplies for more complicated ostomy care in the a absence of the WOCN. The program was expanded so that each unit who cares for patients with ostomies has an Emergency Ostomy Box. The nurses were introduced to the function, process, and benefit of the Box. This box was well received by nurses who perceived this as a welcome support in their care of the ostomy patient. This has been an excellent opportunity to open a dialogue with nurses regarding ostomy care. After initiation we found that the supplies were often used, but not replaced. Reinforcement of the process for restocking the needed supplies for availability was done with an addition of a written prompt on the Box lid. The WOCN nurses are resolved to continue to promote the use of the Ostomy Emergency Box.