The Interaction between Ostomy Product and Person- A preliminary look at physical state, product experience, and quality of life (QOL)

Introduction: There are over twenty manufacturers who sell ostomy products and accessories in the USA^1,2.   Each product may be different in terms of shape, stiffness, adhesion, and attachment, as each user is different in terms of disease state, body type, ostomy placement, and activity level.  In an ideal world there would be a product available to meet each user’s uniqueness that did not negatively impact user’s QOL.

 

Purpose: To help guide the design of user supports/education and product features to ultimately improve the ostomy product user’s experience.

 

Methods: Using cognitive interviews, we developed and pilot tested a 48-item electronic self-assessment questionnaire with questions related to the physical state of the ostomy site, user experience with her/his current product, and  physical well-being dimension QOL³.  Invitations to participate were emailed to requestors of a product sample during the time period, June 15 until October 15, 2018.  Questionnaires were completed prior to using the samples requested.  Sixty-five people completed a questionnaire. 

 

Results:

• Demographics- 46% were 90 days post surgery.
• Physical State- 68% reported redness/rashes and/or open skin surrounding their ostomy, 57% reported peristomal skin irritation

• Product Experience-

                                    32% were able to wear their baseplate for 1-2 days,

                                    34% burped their bag two or more times per night,

                                    65% reported pouch odor,

                                    52% reported pouch leakage,

                                    29% agreed that they were confident their appliance would not leak,

                                    47% agreed that they were satisfied with their wear time,

                                    38% agreed that emptying the pouch was a no-mess process.

• QOL- Mean score 61.65 out of 100.

 

Conclusion: Results suggest room to improve the ostomy product and person interaction. Potential improvements may involve both industry and health care practitioners/educators and include product revisions based on consumer feedback, better assessment, education, support and follow-up to improve product user’s physical state, product experience and QOL.