Pediatric Ostomy Care: Global best practice guidelines for neonates, children, and adolescents

Pediatric ostomy care nursing is still a relatively undescribed field, and little literature and research are available. Although the principles of ostomy, fistula and pouching are similar across the life span continuum, the reasons for an ostomy and the actual hands-on approach are different working with children.   Body size, developmental stage, and activity level are three such areas that present a challenge when performing an ostomy pouch change with children.

The Global Pediatric Stoma Nurses Advisory Board (GPSNAB), an international group of pediatric ostomy care experts, were brought together to offer their expertise on caring for children with an ostomy. Best practice guidelines were developed based on literature and on the experience of the GPSNAB members.  The purpose of these guidelines is to provide healthcare professionals working with the pediatric population a central resource for best practices.  There are two sections in the guidelines governing pediatric ostomy care. The first section highlights the actual clinical aspects of pediatric ostomy care.  The second section addresses the psychological aspects of care, including ostomy education and the emotional impact of an ostomy on this patient group.  The guidelines cover the full spectrum of pediatric age groups, from neonates to adolescents.

This guide is substantiated with a glossary, educational tools, references, and evidence-based information.  The GPSNAB seven members collaborated in writing these guidelines with the objective to improve the quality of life for neonates, children, and adolescents with an ostomy, along with their respective families.  It would be the expectation to see increased comfort and perhaps competence on the part of the caregivers having standardized guidelines available working with children and ostomies.