Preoperative Services
Counseling:
· Basic
ostomy education and answers to questions such as surgical procedures,
living with a stoma, pre- and post-op diets, concerns re: returning to
work, etc.
· Familiarize patients and their families with various types of ostomy appliances and supplies that are available.
· Assist patients in selecting a reliable pouching system/appliance, keeping their personal needs and choices in mind.
Stoma Site Marking(s):
· A
preoperative assessment of the abdomen is performed to determine the
best location for stoma placement (more than one site may be marked).
· Stoma
site marking(s) may be done during an outpatient pre-op visit, in the
hospital pre-op holding area, or in a patient’s hospital room.
· Proper stoma placement helps patients avoid post-op wound and skin complications caused by leakage.
Postoperative Services
Education on Stoma Management:
· Patients are instructed on self-care, proper hygiene and how to maintain skin health.
· Along with patients, families and/or caregivers learn proper stoma care to help prevent common problems from occurring.
General WOC Nursing Care:
· Care coordination and management for patients with a new or existing ostomy, with or without complications.
· Determine
if patient’s current pouching system/appliance is adequate/ reliable
and obtain new appliance if it needs to be updated.
· Assess patient’s clothing and provide recommendations if needed for undergarments, support belts, etc.
· Arrange
for visit(s) by a home health agency prior to patient discharge and
work in conjunction with this agency care and staff for a seamless
continuum of care.
Problem Solving & Ongoing Support:
· Provide assistance with pouching system/appliance failures, such as leaks.
· Refit pouching system/appliance to provide proper seal and optimum comfort as needed.
· Assist
with short-term care and/or long-term management for patients with
peristomal skin loss, infections, ulcers, and/or rashes.
· Ensure
that the patient is coping with lifestyle changes, help to alleviate
anxieties associated with the ostomy, providing support as needed
