Guidelines for Assessment of Peristomal Body Profile, Ostomy Patient Engagement and Patient Follow-up: Results of an International Ostomy Consensus

Evidence indicates that stoma patients’ quality of life measures are low due to lack of confidence in pouching system seal security and fear of leakage. Reports in the literature describe that up to 80% of all people with an ostomy encounter peristomal skin complications (PSCs)^1-3, the majority of which are related to a poor pouch seal. When the pouch seal is not secure, problems in addition to PSCs exist such as excessive time committed to ostomy care⁴ clothing damage, stigma and social embarrassment. While it is evident that pouch seal leakage can cause profound problems for the person with an ostomy, little is available on interventions to address leakage. To develop consensus-based practice guidelines a large scale Modified Delphi Consensus-Building Process was used to identify key factors in assessing peristomal body profile to determine the best pouching system to reduce and/or prevent leakage and PSCs and to support patient adaptation to living with a stoma.  The six-month consensus process included a literature review, a series of on-line surveys, face-to-face workshops, virtual dialogues and a professionally facilitated large group discussion process. Over 1600 ostomy care nurses from 27 countries were involved in the consensus development of the Guidelines. The resulting consensus includes 9 statements on how to assess peristomal body profile, how to engage and educate patients and when to follow-up with patients after hospital discharge or product change. 100% consensus was reached on the statements and the resultant guidelines. The poster presentation will present the consensus-based guidelines for assessment of peristomal body profile, ostomy patient engagement and patient follow-up.