Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of people with ostomy and the adaptive domains of Roy's theory: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The adaptation of people with ostomies may be associated with and affected by sociodemographic and clinical factors. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and the adaptation of people with an intestinal stoma. METHOD: An analytical study, carried out through an interview with 200 patients with ostomy for five months. For that, it was applied to scale for the level of adaptation of ostomy patients to measure the physiological domains, self-concept, role function and interdependence and a questionnaire was used in which sociodemographic and clinical information. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed to test the study hypothesis. RESULTS: The study pointed out statistically significant associations with male sex, age group below 60, low education level, Stoma time less than one year, below one minimum wage, temporary permanence criteria and presence of complications relation to low scores of adaptation. CONCLUSIONS: The association of sociodemographic and clinical factors with the measured adaptive modes provides important information for the planning of nursing care and other care providers, since it directs actions to the aspects that give greater adaptive difficulty to people with stomas and which are the focus of care nursing to this clientele.

Implementation of an Evidence-Based, Content-Validated, Standardized Support Surface Algorithm Tool in Home Health Care: A Quality Improvement Project.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to provide a standardized, repeatable, and easy-to-use process for selecting a support surface for prevention or treatment of pressure injuries (PIs). PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society Support Surface Algorithm was chosen to guide clinicians in selection of an appropriate support surface. These clinicians provide services to approximately 465,000 patients across the nation annually. APPROACH: This quality improvement project aimed to establish clinician knowledge and comfort levels when recommending a support surface and providing a standardized way to identify the appropriate support surface once a patient had been identified as at risk. The support surface algorithm was incorporated into our agency's electronic medical record (EMR); we chose this interactive algorithm to facilitate support surface selection among clinicians with no specialized expertise in PI treatment or prevention. OUTCOMES: Clinicians reported an increase in knowledge and comfort levels in the ability to select an appropriate support surface following implementation of the clinical decision support tool. Benchmarking data illustrated a decrease in the year over year aggregate (September 2018 to September 2021) trending for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services quality outcome measures surrounding potentially avoidable events related to PIs. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Implementing the support surface algorithm assisted clinicians with support surface selection, elevated and standardized clinician practice, and reduced potentially avoidable events. As a result of this project, the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society Support Surface Algorithm Tool has been fully integrated into our EMR and is a standardized part of our clinical assessment.

A Peer-to-Peer Approach to Increasing Staff Competency and Engagement in Wound and Ostomy Care: A Quality Improvement Project.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to provide an innovative, participatory approach to the education of staff nurses and nursing support personnel to improve skills and competencies in wound and ostomy care while enhancing staff engagement and empowerment. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Project planning occurred between January and October 2020 and implementation began in November 2020. The project was implemented in 1 intensive care unit and 6 adult medical-surgical units of a 288-bed community hospital in the northeastern United States (Bronxville, New York). Participants included RNs and nursing support staff working in intensive care and medical-surgical units. A postimplementation survey was conducted in May 2021. APPROACH: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model was used as a framework for this QI intervention. A peer-to-peer approach to staff education addressing different learning styles was used to improve knowledge and competencies of staff nurses pertaining to wound and ostomy care. OUTCOMES: There were 72 participants; 68% (n = 49) exhibited knowledge retention 5 months after initial participation; 85% (n = 61) reported a high level of engagement; and 97.5% (n = 70) reported a high level of satisfaction 5 months after project implementation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: An emerging need exists for educational innovation regarding wound and ostomy care to improve quality of care, nursing care outcomes, and staff engagement. Through a peer-to-peer approach to wound and ostomy care education, enhanced clinical knowledge and competencies can result in improved patient safety and increase care outcomes.

Gastrointestinal Ostomies in Children: A Primer for the Pediatrician.

Despite the advancement of medical therapies in the care of the preterm neonate, in the management of short bowel syndrome and the control of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease, the need to create fecal ostomies remains a common, advantageous treatment option for many medically complex children.

The clinical and economic burden of illness in the first two years after ostomy creation: a nationwide Danish cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Living with an ostomy is often associated with costly complications. This study examined the burden of illness the first two years after ostomy creation. METHODS: Data from Danish national registries included all adult Danes with an ostomy created between 2002 and 2014. RESULTS: Four cohorts consisted, respectively, of 11,385 subjects with a colostomy and 4,574 with an ileostomy, of which 1,663 subjects had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 1,270 colorectal cancer as cause of their ileostomy. The healthcare cost was significantly higher for cases versus matched controls for all cohorts. In the first year, the total healthcare cost per person-year was €27,962 versus €4,200 for subjects with colostomy, €29,392 versus €3,308 for subjects with ileostomy, €15,947 versus €2,216 when IBD was the underlying cause, and €32,438 versus €4,196 when it was colorectal cancer. Healthcare costs decreased in the second year but remained significantly higher than controls. Hospitalization and outpatient services were primary cost drivers, with ostomy-related complications comprising 8-16% of hospitalization expenses. CONCLUSION: Compared to controls, subjects with an ostomy bear a significant health and financial burden attributable to ostomy-related complications, in addition to the underlying disease, emphasizing the importance of better ostomy care to enhance well-being and reduce economic strain.

Effects of sexual counseling on sexual function and sexual quality of life of women with permanent intestinal ostomy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with an intestinal ostomy may experience significant sexual dysfunction that may have adverse impacts on quality of life. Appropriate sexual health counseling can be beneficial for these patients. AIM: This study was conducted to determine the effect of sexual counseling on the sexual function and sexual quality of life of women with a permanent intestinal ostomy. METHODS: For this experimental study, 60 female patients with a permanent intestinal ostomy were selected through convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to either the intervention or control groups. Patients in the intervention group received four 90-minute individual counseling sessions based on the PLISSIT (permission [P], limited information [LI], specific suggestions [SS], and intensive therapy [IT] model over a period of 4 weeks). The control group underwent routine training. Data were collected by use of a demographic information questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Sexual Quality of Life Female questionnaire. Both groups completed the questionnaires before and after the intervention. OUTCOMES: Study outcomes were the resulting data for the Female Sexual Function Index and the Sexual Quality of Life Female questionnaire. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant increase in the mean score of sexual function in the intervention group after counseling (P = .001). No significant difference was observed in the mean score of sexual quality of life between the 2 groups before the intervention (P > .05). In contrast, a significant increase was noted in the intervention group's sexual quality of life after the intervention (P = .001). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results indicate a need to sexual counseling interventions directed toward sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with permanent intestinal ostomy. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Study strengths include utilization of the PLISSIT model for sexual counseling as an invaluable roadmap for healthcare professionals, systematically addressing patient needs within a tailored framework, and prescribing appropriate strategies over 4 distinct phases. Limitations include the use of convenience sampling and no follow-up duration. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the efficacy of counseling in enhancing sexual well-being of women with permanent intestinal ostomy.

Development of a leakage impact assessment for patients with a stoma, who may be impacted by leakage.

For people living with a stoma leakage is unpredictable. Despite advances in stoma products, leakage can lead to soiling and this, along with worrying about leakage, can significantly affect patients' everyday lives and impact their quality of life. It is also associated with excessive product use and increased healthcare resources. Leakage therefore remains a major unmet need for many people living with a stoma. To address this, Coloplast Ltd in collaboration with the authors and a broader group of stoma care nurses have worked together to develop a first version of the Leakage Impact Assessment. This assessment is intended to identify patients who struggle with leakage and leakage worry, and who might benefit from the reassurance that a new digital leakage notification system, Heylo™, can provide. This article reviews the evidence for leakage and its impact on people living with a stoma and outlines the development process for the assessment.

Missed nursing care and stoma care: an Italian survey.

BACKGROUND: In Italy, nursing research has paid special attention to 'missed nursing care'. The studies carried out, varying in tools and settings, describe considerable percentages of missed care. In the field of stoma care, the phenomenon has not been investigated to date. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of missed nursing care (MNC) in the Italian ostomy patient population and the most relevant causes suggested for this by stoma care nurses. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHOD: The Italian version of the MISSCARE survey was used with some questions related to the stoma care pathway. The survey was targeted at hospitals in the country with dedicated services and/or pathways for ostomy patients, between February and April 2023. FINDINGS: A total of 461 questionnaires were sent out, 214 (53.3%) were analysed. The majority of the participants were female (160, 76.2%), median age of 50 years (35.0-53.8). The most common qualification was a Bachelor's degree (n=117; 54.9%) and work experience in stoma care was more than 10 years in 95 cases (50.3%). Prominent instances of MNC were identified, with hand washing (score 4.6 out of 5), compilation of nursing documentation and hygiene/skin care (score 4.5 out of 5) and patient/family education (score 4.4 out of 5) emerging as the most prevalent. The most notable omissions in the stoma care process encompassed educational facets, clinical monitoring, a comprehensive discharge plan, and diligent follow-up. Among the most frequent reasons were staff shortages (score 3.1 out of 4), unsuitable nurse-patient ratios (score of 3 out of 4) and insufficient numbers of experienced stoma care personnel (score of 3 out of 4). CONCLUSION: A substantial number of basic and clinically relevant nursing interventions were perceived to be missed, and this may lead to an increase in negative outcomes for ostomy patients.

Benefits of Collaboration Between the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse and Orthopedic Surgeon When Treating Skin Defects After Soft Tissue Sarcoma Resection: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of collaborative management between orthopedic surgery and WOC nurses in patients undergoing resection of subcutaneous sarcomas. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 25 patients who underwent wide resection for soft tissue sarcoma, followed by 2-stage split-thickness skin grafting. Data collection occurred between January 2015 and April 2021 in a university hospital based in Kagoshima, Japan. For comparison, we categorized these patients into 2 groups: intervention group participants were managed by an orthopedic surgeon and a WOC nurse; nonintervention group members were managed without WOC nurse participation. METHODS: Patient background and treatment-related information was retrospectively collected from medical records and compared between the WOC nurse intervention group and the nonintervention group, including maximum tumor diameter, surgical time, maximum skin defect diameter, length of hospital stay, and time from surgery to complete wound healing. RESULTS: The average length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the WOC nurse intervention group compared with the nonintervention group (38.3 days, SD = 8.0 vs 47.1 days, SD = 10.2; P = .023). CONCLUSION: Collaborative wound management with a WOC nurse resulted in a shorter hospital length of stay when compared to traditional management with WOC nurse involvement. Based on these findings, we assert that WOC nurses provide an important bridge between postoperative wound management in patients undergoing resection of subcutaneous sarcomas.

Allergic contact dermatitis due to 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate in ostomy patients.

BACKGROUND: Many people live with ostomies after life-saving surgery. Ostomy patients often suffer from peristomal dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has been reported, mostly due to contact allergy (CA) to topical agents. OBJECTIVES: We present three patients with therapy resistant peristomal dermatitis, suggesting ACD caused by different stoma products. METHODS: Patch testing was performed with baseline series, additional series, and selected allergens. They were also tested with their own ostomy products as is and separate extracts of the products. Extracts were analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: In all three patients we diagnosed CA to 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA), +++ in case (C) 1 and 3, ++ in C 2. HDDA was detected in C 2's ostomy pouch adhesive and in C 1's and 3's flange extenders used to improve the adhesion of the ostomy pouches. CONCLUSION: Therapy resistant peristomal dermatitis should always be suspected of ACD and patch testing, especially with the patient's own products, should be performed.

'That gave me a lot of comfort, that he would ask my opinion about how we wanted to talk about this': A qualitative analysis of clinical communication experiences of ostomy patients.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the communication challenges and successes that people with ostomies experienced during their healthcare encounters. DESIGN: We conducted semistructured interviews of people with ostomies. Interviews focused on important social situations and health communication strategies for managing these situations. We transcribed interviews and coded them to create themes. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were eligible to participate if they were above the age of 18 and have had an ostomy for at least a year. 27 people participated in the study. SETTING: The study was conducted in a university setting. RESULTS: Interviews with ostomates surfaced several themes related to ostomate needs. Participants benefited from communication that was open, thorough and had a positive outlook on ostomies. Participants found patient-clinician communication to be challenging when there was a lack of knowledge surrounding ostomy care, communication was unclear or inadequate, and when clinicians had a negative outlook on ostomies. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this project are intended to amplify existing patient and clinician education materials and to inform the creation of a communication guide specifically for the ostomy context.

Validation of Urostomy Parastomal Herniation Incisional Prevention Strategies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate simulated parastomal herniation forces in in vitro abdominal fascial models. Our group previously illustrated how incision type may play a consequential role in bowel herniation force generated across an incision using several abdominal fascia models. We sought to (1) Confirm findings in fresh human tissue, (2) Assess correlation between herniation force and incision size, and (3) Determine whether incision type impacts drainage in a simulated ex vivo ileal conduit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Axial tension force (N) of herniation was measured using our previously published protocol, pulling a Foley catheter balloon 3.8 cm diameter affixed to a dynamometer through silicone/fascial incisions ranging 3-5.8 cm. We simulated ileal conduits using bovine small intestine with stoma matured through human fascia using 3.0 cm linear or cruciate incisions. The conduit's caudal end was catheterized and filled at 20 mL/min. Drainage was measured by pad weight change. Two-sided α < 0.05 was used to reject the null hypothesis. RESULTS: Mean (±SD) herniation forces in fresh human fascia varied significantly across linear longitudinal, linear transverse, and cruciate incisions (20.9 ± 3.7, 23.3 ± 8.8, and 8.9 ± 3.8 N, respectively [P = .011]). Fresh human fascial linear incisions 3 cm in diameter had a herniation force of 22.1 ± 6.3 vs 3.5 ± 0.7 N for 5.8 cm incisions when herniating a 3.8 cm balloon (P = .002). All observations were similar in silicone. In simulated ileal conduit, mean drainage: 70.8 ± 3.6 vs 82.1 ± 9.7 mL (linear vs cruciate) after 100 mL instilled, respectively (P = .05). CONCLUSION: This ex vivo study further suggests incision type has predictable influence on herniation force. These data support standardization of urostomy construction techniques and evaluating the clinical impact of stomal maturation techniques on parastomal hernia rates.

Evaluation of a Skin Barrier Ring With Assisted Flow: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a skin barrier ring with assisted flow in preventing peristomal skin complications (PSCs) in patients with an ileostomy and to evaluate the participants' perceptions of the device. DESIGN: Single-group, prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Both inpatients and outpatients with newly created (n = 14) or established (n = 1) ileostomies were recruited from 2 clinical sites in the United States: one was an academic teaching hospital system in the Midwestern United States and the second was a teaching hospital located in the Southeastern United States. METHODS: Participants used the skin barrier ring with assisted flow after receiving education on its use. The pouching system was changed on a routine basis as determined by the ostomy nurse specialist. The Ostomy Skin Tool (OST) was used to assess each participant's peristomal discoloration (D), erosion (E), and tissue overgrowth (T) on admission to the study (baseline) and at final assessment (60 ± 33 days). Secondary outcomes (device handling, comfort, and discretion) were assessed through a questionnaire administered during the final data collection visit. RESULTS: The mean baseline DET score among the 14 participants with a new ileostomy was 2 or less, indicating no PSCs. The incidence of PSCs in this study was 40% (n = 6). Thirteen of 15 participants (86.7%) agreed that the skin barrier ring with assisted flow was easy to apply. Fourteen (93.4%) agreed that the device was comfortable and easy to remove. All 15 participants (100%) agreed it was discreet under clothing. CONCLUSIONS: Sixty percent of participants (n = 9) using the investigational device experienced a PSC. More than 90% of participants agreed that the device was comfortable and easy to remove, and all participants (100%) agreed it was discreet when worn under clothing.

Management of a Peristomal Abscess in a Patient With an Ileostomy: A Case Study.

BACKGROUND: Peristomal abscess (PA) is an uncommon but challenging peristomal skin complication. The initial treatment of the PA usually includes incision and drainage of the abscess, resulting in a peristomal wound. The presence of the wound makes it difficult to maintain a seal between the ostomy skin barrier and the peristomal skin resulting in frequent removal and application of the skin barrier to prevent leakage and allow for daily wound care. CASE: Ms T was a 52-year-old woman with an ileostomy resulting from a prior left hemicolectomy for colon cancer who developed a PA. Treatment of the PA was implemented, along with a modified 2-piece skin barrier that allowed access to the peristomal wound for daily dressing changes while maintaining a seal around the ostomy. CONCLUSION: The modified 2-piece skin barrier technique proved a successful treatment for the management of the PA without frequent changes of the ostomy pouching system.

The Effect of Education Via Videoconferencing at Home on Individuals' Self-efficacy and Adaptation to Life with a Stoma: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of education via videoconferencing at home on individuals' self-efficacy and adaptation to life with a stoma. METHODS: A randomized controlled experimental study was conducted between November 2021 and July 2022 in an education and research hospital (face-to-face) and at the homes of individuals with a stoma (online). The study sample consisted of 60 individuals with a stoma: 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. Study data were collected using the Individuals with Stoma Identification Form, Stoma Self-efficacy Scale (SSES), and Ostomy Adjustment Inventory-23 (OAI-23). After discharge, participants in the experimental group received educational booklets and education on stoma care in four video conference sessions. The authors analyzed the data using frequency and percentage distributions, χ2 analyses, independent-sample t tests, Wilcoxon tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the median pretest SSES and OAI-23 scores and the median posttest SSES and OAI-23 scores in the experimental group. At the end of the study, more individuals in the experimental group cared for their own stoma. CONCLUSIONS: The education provided to individuals with a stoma significantly increased their self-efficacy and stoma adaptation scores. Hence, providing structured, continuous education on stoma care by nurses and using videoconferencing as an education method are recommended.

Timing and Complications of Intestinal Ostomy Takedown After Intestinal and Multivisceral Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Ileostomies are typically created at the time of intestinal and multivisceral transplantation to assist in graft monitoring with endoscopy and biopsies. Often, these ostomies are reversed with a takedown procedure once there is stable graft function, but data are limited on associated complications of the takedown procedure for patients with intestinal transplants. METHODS: To assess complications associated with takedowns in this patient population, we performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had an intestinal transplant with elective ostomy takedown after transplant. No prisoners were used in the study and this manuscript is in compliance with the Helsinki Congress and the Declaration of Istanbul. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients, 10 isolated patients with intestinal transplants and 6 patients with multivisceral transplants, were included in the study, and takedown occurred at a mean of (236.8 ± 117.1) days after transplant. Of the 16 patients, 5 patients (31%) had uncomplicated courses after takedown with no infection, no rejection, and no hospital readmission within 3 months of takedown. The rest of the patients (69%) developed either infection or rejection within 3 months of takedown, and 1 patient died of infection after ileostomy takedown. CONCLUSION: This case series highlights the high risk of complications after ileostomy takedown for patients with intestinal transplants and contributes to the growing debate regarding the role of ileostomy creation and reversal in patients with intestinal transplants.

Analisar a adaptação da pessoa à ostomia de eliminação intestinal / Analysing the person's adaptation to the intestinal elimination ostomy

A construção de uma ostomia de eliminação intestinal, confere à pessoa portadora, necessidades acrescidas e processos de transição, sendo obrigada a adaptações e transformações em todos os níveis. Objetivos: Analisar os fatores que influenciam a adaptação da pessoa à ostomia de eliminação numa consulta de Estomaterapia de uma unidade local de saúde do norte de Portugal. Método: Estudo analítico transversal, com 21 doentes portadores de ostomia de eliminação, seguidos em Consulta de Enfermagem de Estomaterapia, durante o mês de julho de 2023. Como instrumento de recolha de dados foi utilizado a Escala de Adaptação à Ostomia de Eliminação, após autorização prévia da sua autora. Este teve o parecer favorável da Comissão de Ética. Resultados: A maioria dos doentes são do sexo masculino (66,7%), com uma média de idades de 69,14 anos, casados ou em união de facto, com o ensino básico, sendo 66,7% reformados e vivem 61,9% com o companheiro. 85,7% possuem colostomia, definitivas 57,1%. O total da escala apresentou o valor médio de 177,49± 19,62 pontos evidenciando boa adaptação à ostomia. As características sociodemográficas e clínicas, não se associaram com as dimensões e com o total da Escala de adaptação à ostomia de eliminação. Conclusão: Registamos uma boa adaptação. Sugerimos a elaboração de um guia de cuidados ao doente ostomizado, de forma a serem apreendidos de forma uniforme, os ensinos ministrados assim como o reforço das práticas de enfermagem.

The construction of an intestinal elimination ostomy gives the carrier increased needs and transition processes, being forced to adaptations and transformations at all levels. Objectives: To analyze the factors that influence the person's adaptation to the elimination ostomy in a Stomatherapy consultation of a local health unit in the north of Portugal. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional analytical study with 21 patients with elimination ostomy, followed in a Stomatherapy Nursing Consultation, during the month of July 2023. The Elimination Ostomy Adaptation Scale was used as a data collection instrument, after prior authorization from the author. This was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: The majority of patients are male (66.7%), with an average age of 69.14 years, married or in a non-marital relationship, with basic education, 66.7% are retired and 61.9% live with their partner. 85.7% had a colostomy, 57.1% had a permanent colony. The total of the scale presented a mean value of 177.49± 19.62 points, showing good adaptation to the ostomy. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were not associated with the dimensions and total of the Elimination Ostomy Adaptation Scale. Conclusive We have adapted well. We suggest the elaboration of a care guide for ostomized patients, in order to be apprehended in a uniform way, the teachings given as well as the reinforcement of nursing practices.