Resuming a normal life: holistic care of the person with an ostomy

A community nurse may often encounter an ostomate (person with a stoma) but may not be regularly involved in their stoma care. This article explains the main types of stoma, stoma appliances and indications for some operations. Explanations are provided on some of the stoma appliances and accessories and when these might be useful to the community nurse and the ostomate. Stoma care is explained, including how to undertake a basic stoma appliance change. Issues that community nurses might be questioned about, such as diet and driving, are explored to assist the community nurse in providing holistic care for ostomates.     

Common stoma problems: a brief guide for community nurses

It is estimated that there are 100,000 people in the United Kingdom who have a stoma, some 47% of whom will suffer at least one complication (Lyon and Smith, 2001). District nurses work with specialist stoma care nurses to manage the majority of these complications, so it is vital that they maintain their knowledge. This article reviews some of the stoma complications that many arise, and uses two case studies to illustrate how these may be dealt with in the community.     

造口伤口压疮护理管理小组的建立与实施

造口伤口压疮护理管理小组的建立与实施,可以利用造口治疗师有限的技术资源,提高全院造口伤口压疮护理质量。介绍了该院建立造口伤口压疮护理管理小组的背景、实施方法、人员配置、职责、框架结构、运行方案、培训方案及效果评价,并对运行中一些关键环节和问题进行了讨论。     

Managing a colostomy or ileostomy in community nursing practice

After stoma formation the patient should be independent with their own stoma care. However, with emphasis being placed on community nurses for ongoing aftercare of ostomates: Skingley (2004) has asserted that many community nurses did not feel confident undertaking stoma care. This article is ideally placed for the community nurses to obtain a broad overview of some of the key points pertaining to stoma care. The article looks at care of ostomates and ileostomates in relation to available appliances and also discusses dietary recommendations.     

The pre- and postoperative nursing care for patients with a stoma

This article revisits the various issues that surround the nurse caring for a patient with a stoma (colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy). Understanding the basic anatomy, reasons for stoma formation and the surgical operations, including variations such as continent stomas, can assist the nurse in caring for this patient group. The article discusses briefly the various stoma appliances that can be used by the nurse or ostomate (person with a stoma). Practical tips on pre- and postoperative nursing care of the patient with a newly formed stoma are provided for the nurse. In some cases, unfortunately, complications may occur following stoma-forming surgery; these are discussed and nursing advice provided. One of the most important ways in which the nurse can support the patient is to teach the patient his/her stoma care, ensuring independence before discharge and showing empathy and compassion.     

Changing practice: the role of the community stoma nurse

Over the past few decades the nursing profession has recognized the need for major reforms to ensure that it meets future challenges and changes. As a community stoma care nurse, the author was given the challenge of improving stoma care education for all community nurses within the local community trust. This article describes how the community stoma care nurse established what areas of stoma care community staff felt needed updating. However, it also demonstrates that not taking time to plan or use a change tool meant that this was not an organized process and outcomes were not measurable. The article also looks at some recommendations for improving future implementation of stoma care teaching sessions.     

Practical stoma care

Patricia Black looks at the reasons behind and management of different types of stoma as well as outlining some of the possible problems associated with stomas. She emphasises the importance of caring for a stoma patient's psychological as well as physical wellbeing.     

One-piece and two-piece pouches: what's the difference?

Within any area of nursing, it is possible to encounter an ostomate (person with a stoma). Most ostomates are independent with their stoma needs but some do require advice on which appliance or pouch they should use. The three main types of stoma; the colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy, pass different outputs and so require different appliances, which are discussed. This article then explores the differences between one- and two-piece pouches and provides several short scenarios to explain why the use of one- or two-piece pouches might be more appropriate in specific situations.     

Peristomal skin care and the use of accessories to promote skin health

Stomas are frequently encountered by nurses. Common complications include problems with the peristomal skin-the skin around the stoma. It has been reported that up to 80% of people with a stoma, who are termed ostomates, are affected. The three main types of stomas are colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy; all these come with a risk of sore peristomal skin. These stomas pass faeces or urine, which are collected in a stoma appliance that adheres to the peristomal skin. It is essential to ensure that this skin is free from breaks or soreness as this might lead to appliance leakage. This article is aimed at ward nurses and will focus on some of the stoma accessories that are used to treat, protect or 'level' peristomal skin. Accessories, such as barrier creams or films, can be used to protect skin. Filler paste, seals and convex appliances, for example, can be used to resolve creases in the skin or to treat a retracted stoma. The situations in which stoma accessories might be useful in resolving peristomal skin problems or retaining its integrity are numerous.     

Stoma care: empowering patients through teaching practical skills

Teaching patients practical skills in stoma care is a complex process and although, arguably, at the very heart of stoma care nursing practice, has been largely ignored in the literature. Teaching principles are based upon social learning theory and educationalists provide guidelines on the most effective way to teach a practical skill. These guidelines have been utilized by nurses when teaching patients with newly formed stomas how to change a pouch. The process of adapting to a stoma and its daily management takes time. Psychologically, however, some patients will adapt more easily than others and researchers have attempted to identify factors which may account for this. Studies have demonstrated that patients who are satisfied with the amount of preoperative information they receive are less likely to develop psychological problems. Psychological adjustment may be affected if patients feel that they have developed insufficient pouch changing skills or have problems with leakage from their pouch or sore skin around their stoma. Studies have also demonstrated that cognitive factors, such as patients feeling in control of their illness and stoma, have been found to play a role in psychological adaptation. Clinical nurse specialists in stoma care are in an ideal position to target these cognitive factors using a variety of strategies including effective practical teaching to empower patients, thus facilitating psychological adaptation following stoma surgery.     

The nursing preparation of stoma patients for self-care

The changes brought about by stoma surgery require that patients re-learn self-care skills with regard to elimination. This is accomplished as an integral part of postoperative nursing care. In this paper, some of the findings of a study are presented on the nursing preparation of stoma patients for self-management of their appliance. The observations made showed that, even at the end of their postoperative period in hospital, the patients in the study was receiving considerable nursing assistance in the management of their appliance and had not demonstrated new self-care skills for all aspects of the physical care of the stoma. It is concluded that these findings highlight a need to examine the methods of preparation for self-care of stoma patients in hospital, as containment rather than control of elimination remains a key issue in their rehabilitation.     

Quality of life of Danish colorectal cancer patients with and without a stoma

Goals of the work As part of a psychosocial intervention study, we wanted to prospectively assess the quality of life of colorectal cancer patients who were given a stoma at the time of their initial operation for cancer or later and those whose initial stoma was removed. Materials and methods A total of 249 colorectal cancer patients were recruited and responded to a questionnaire 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after the initial operation (26–35% had a stoma during follow-up). Main results Although most of the differences between stoma and non-stoma patients failed to reach significance, 22 out of 27 variables indicated a poorer quality of life for those with a stoma. Patients who currently had a stoma had significantly higher levels of depression (p = 0.013), poorer social functioning (p = 0.0085) and more problems with body image (p = 0.0001), future perspectives (p = 0.0058), micturition (p = 0.018) and side effects from chemotherapy (p = 0.008), but fewer problems with constipation (p = 0.034) than non-stoma patients. Male patients with a stoma had more sexual problems than males without a stoma (p = 0.015). Among those with a current stoma, quality of life seemed poorer among those whose stoma was made during follow-up compared with those with an initial stoma. Conclusions Trends suggested that having a stoma led to poorer scores in most aspects of quality of life and that having a stoma made some time after the initial operation was more distressing than having a stoma made during the primary cancer operation.     

输尿管回肠皮肤造口术前造口定位的方法及其效果

目的探讨输尿管回肠皮肤造口术(简称Bricker术)前定位的方法,以期减少Bricker造口术并发症,提高患者术后的生活质量。方法便利抽样法选取2003年7月至2011年12月在广州军区武汉总医院泌尿外科治疗的104例肌层浸润性膀胱肿瘤患者为研究对象,所有患者术前均由护士和患者共同参与造口定位。结果预期造口位置与实际造口位置一致者90例;预期造口位置与实际造口位置因特殊原因稍有偏移,但位置在可接受边界内者14例。无一例患者发生因造口位置不良而导致的并发症。结论 Bricker造口术前行造口定位可减少造口并发症的发生。     

Effectiveness of the PLISSIT model for solving the sexual problems of patients with stoma

Aims and objectives. This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of the PLISSIT model in solving sexual problems of individuals with stoma. Background. Creating a stoma due to intestinal cancer may prolong the life expectancy of individuals. However, the problems resulting from stoma may cause significant changes in an individual’s life and adversely affect relations with family members and social and sexual life. Design. Experimental. Methods. The study consisted of individuals with stoma, living in Ankara. The sample consisted of 60 patients. The case group consisted of 30 patients living in Ankara; and the control group consisted of 30 patients living outside Ankara. In data collection, a questionnaire form, the PLISSIT model intervention plan and Golombok–Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) were used. The individuals in the case group were paid eight home visits. During these visits, sexual problems of individuals with stoma were assessed and solutions sought under the guidance of the PLISSIT model intervention plan. Results. Increase of mean scores of Golombok–Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction and subgroups before evaluating the sexual problems by the PLISSIT model and the sixth week scores which the sexual activity is anticipated to start have been observed, but after evaluating the sexual problems by using the model, the mean scores decreased. It was determined that negative effects of concerns related to sexual life; some physical and emotional features and physiological problems have been observed and difference between the groups is significant (p < 0·05). Conclusions. As a result, it can be claimed that decreasing sexual problems can be accomplished by using the PLISSIT model. Relevance to clinical practice. People with stoma can meet sexual problems. However, nurses experience some difficulties while handling sexual problems. It is thought that an intervention plan prepared within the framework of the PLISSIT model will guide nurses in solving sexual problems of individuals with stoma and providing integrated care and help individuals to express their sexual problems.     

伤口造口护理学组的构建及临床实践的效果评价

目的 探讨成立伤口造口护理学组在提高全院伤口造口管理质量和患者满意度的效果评价.方法 择优选取有责任心热爱伤口造口护理专业的护理骨干作为学组成员,并明确学组成员职责;设立学组质控控制体系;制定伤口造口质控标准;规范换药流程;加强护士的伤口造口知识培训和教育.结果 患者对伤口造口护理满意度由82.0%提升到95.0%(P<0.01);患者造口并发症的发生率由45.0%下降到15.0%(P<0.001);护士的伤口造口知识考核合格率由63.3%提升到93.9.%(P<0.001);伤口治疗愈合率由74.8%提升到90.8%(P<0.01).结论 伤口造口护理学组的建立不仅可以提高医院的伤口造口管理质量、提高患者的满意度和舒适度;而且可以提升护士的伤口造口管理水平和学术水平,推进伤口造口护理学科向专业化发展.     

Adjustment to colostomy: stoma acceptance, stoma care self-efficacy and interpersonal relationships

AIM: This paper is a report of a study to examine adjustment and its relationship with stoma acceptance and social interaction, and the link between stoma care self-efficacy and adjustment in the presence of acceptance and social interactions. BACKGROUND: There have been significant advances in stoma appliances and an increase in nurses specialising in stoma care. Despite this, a large proportion of patients continue to experience adjustment problems, which suggests that improvements in the management of the stoma are by themselves not enough to enhance psychosocial functioning. Illness acceptance and interpersonal relationships are widely reported as correlates of adjustment to chronic illness, but these have not been specifically examined in patients with a colostomy. Evidence of their association could offer stoma therapists alternative ways of aiding adjustment. METHOD: Between 2000 and 2002, 51 patients with colostomies provided demographic and clinical data and completed validated questionnaires to measure acceptance of the stoma, relationship with others and stoma care self-efficacy 6 months after surgery. FINDINGS: Multiple regression analysis showed that stoma care self-efficacy, stoma acceptance, interpersonal relationship and location of the stoma were strongly associated with adjustment. The model explained 77% of the variance. Stoma-care self-efficacy accounted for 57.5%, the psychosocial variables 13% and location of the stoma 4.6%. The addition of gender, which was not statistically significant (P > 0.05), explained a further 1.9% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Addressing psychosocial concerns should become part of the care routinely given to stoma patients. We recommend more emphasis on dispelling negative thoughts and encouraging social interactions.     

Considerations for managing stoma complications in the community

Complications related to stoma surgery can occur immediately post surgery or following discharge from hospital, and will either resolve spontaneously or become a difficult management problem for both the stoma patient and healthcare practitioner. In the early stages of rehabilitation, the patient with a stoma relies heavily on the expertise of the healthcare practitioner to assist them in returning to the lifestyle they once enjoyed. Literature acknowledges that adjustment to life with a stoma depends largely on whether complications following the creation of a stoma are persistent (Bekkers et al, 1996; Taylor, 1999; Cottam and Richards, 2006). Evidence demonstrates that prolonged unresolved stoma problems hinder adaptation and adjustment to the stoma (Bekkers et al, 1996; Williams et al, 2010), therefore, it is important for the healthcare practitioner to be well informed and skilled regarding common stoma problems. This article aims to highlight common stoma complications and offer guidance on evidence-based management of such problems to inform healthcare practitioners working in the community setting.     

造口伤口护理网络化管理的实践

造口伤口横向与纵向网络化的构建和完善改变了传统的造口护理模式,通过网络资源与教学资源共享,提高了造口伤口临床护理质量,改善了造口伤口患者的生活质量,规范了造口伤口人才培养,造口伤口护理信息的共享和造口护理技术的优势互补,提升了护理人员的积极性与主动性,提高了病人及家属的自我护理能力,对于造口伤口护理管理的科学化、规范化有重要的意义。     

The basics of ostomies.

Basic ostomy care can be intimidating because nurses don't often see colostomies, ileostomies, or urostomies. While there are as many different ostomies as there are people who have them, there are some commonalities in the care of the stoma. These can be generalized to all stomas, regardless of the type of output. Some care, however, is specific to the placement of the stoma and the type of effluent flowing from the opening. This article will provide the gastroenterology nurse an overview of the basic features of ostomies as well as routine ostomy care.     

Teaching the stoma care routine to a patient with low vision

Teaching the patient with a newly formed stoma but who also has low vision to manage his/her stoma independently can be a difficult task. This case study shows how a nurse taught a patient with low vision to become independent in relation to his newly formed stoma, with a view to being discharged home successfully. At the time the stoma care nurse used her past experience and common sense in achieving this aim. After the event the stoma care nurse researched the literature and discovered that there are accessories/devices available to assist patients with low vision to manage their stoma and help improve their vision. On reflection, the stoma care nurse felt she did not have sufficient time preoperatively with the patient, which prevented her from being able to change the course of action. She has now improved her knowledge, which will assist her in the future if she has to care for another patient with low vision who has had a newly formed stoma.