Search Results for: ostomy
Ostomy documentation tips
General characteristics
Document if the diversion is an intestinal or urinary ostomy, whether it’s temporary or permanent, and the location— abdominal quadrant, skin fold, umbilicus. (See Descriptor reference.) (more…)
Read MoreClinician Resources: Pressure-Injuries, Ostomy, Lymphedema, Delirium
Here is a round-up of resources that you may find helpful in your practice.
New illustrations for pressure-injury staging
The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) has released new illustrations of pressure injury stages. You can download the illustrations, which include normal Caucasian and non-Caucasian skin illustrations for reference.
There is no charge for the illustrations as long as they are being used for educational purposes, but donations to support the work of NPUAP are appreciated. (more…)
Read MoreClinician Resources: human trafficking, npuap, caregiver, ostomy, HIV
Check out the following resources, all designed to help you in your clinical practice.
Human trafficking resources
Victims of human trafficking often suffer tremendous physical and psychological damage. Clinicians play an important role in identifying potential victims so they can obtain help.
Here are some resources to learn more about human trafficking.
• “Addressing human trafficking in the health care setting” is an online course that includes a downloadable quick-reference guide that can be saved and easily accessed from a mobile device to assist providers with essential information in the healthcare setting. (more…)
Read MoreClinical Notes: ostomy, pressure ulcer, burn treatment
Self-management ostomy program improves HRQOL
A five-session ostomy self-care program with a curriculum based on the Chronic Care Model can improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL), according to a study in Psycho-Oncology.
“A chronic care ostomy self-management program for cancer survivors” describes results from a longitudinal pilot study of 38 people. Participants reported sustained improvements in patient activation, self-efficacy, total HRQOL, and physical and social well-being. Most patients had a history of rectal cancer (60.5%) or bladder cancer (28.9%). (more…)
Read MoreRole of the ostomy specialist clinician in ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery
By Leanne Richbourg, MSN, RN, APRN-BC, CWON-AP, CCCN, GCNS-BC
Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the gold standard for surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). It’s also done to treat colon and rectal cancers, such as those caused by Lynch syndrome (LS). IPAA allows the patient to maintain fecal continence and evacuate stool from the anus after colon and rectum removal. A temporary ileostomy may be part of the overall process, but there’s no need for a permanent stoma. (See Understanding ulcerative colitis, FAP, and Lynch syndrome.) (more…)
Read MoreHelping patients overcome ostomy challenges
By Beth Hoffmire Heideman, MSN, RN
No one wants an ostomy, but sometimes it’s required to save a patient’s life. As ostomy specialists, our role is to assess and intervene for patients with a stoma or an ostomy to enhance their quality of life. We play an active role in helping patients perform self-care for their ostomy and adjust to it psychologically, starting even before surgery. (more…)
Read MoreMoldable ostomy barrier rings and strips
By Nancy Morgan, RN, BSN, MBA, WOC, WCC, DWC, OMS
Each issue, Apple Bites brings you a tool you can apply in your daily practice. Here’s a brief overview on moldable, bendable, and stretchable adhesive rings and strips used to improve the seal around a stoma.
Benefits
Adhesive rings and strips can be an alternative to stoma paste for filling or caulking uneven skin contours next to and around a stoma, fistula, or wound. They create a waterproof seal that protects the underlying skin from irritation and are used with (not in place of) the ostomy pouch and skin barrier. Moldable rings and strips may (more…)
Read MoreClinician Resources: United Ostomy Association, NGC, NCCN, Experts
Here is a list of valuable ostomy resources, some suggested by our colleagues who follow Wound Care Advisor on Twitter.
United Ostomy Association of America
The United Ostomy Association of America provides comprehensive resources for patients, including information about the types of ostomies and issues related to nutrition, sexuality, and travel. Much of the information is also available in Spanish and can be downloaded for free from the website. (more…)
Read MoreClinician Resources: Patient Safety, Ostomy, Wound Management
This issue’s resources include patient tools and new guidelines.
Improving patient safety
Research suggests that adverse events affect patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) more frequently, are commonly caused by communication problems, and are more likely to result in serious harm compared to adverse events affecting English-speaking patients. Your hospital can take steps to reduce risks of adverse events for patients with LEP with “Improving patient safety systems for patients with limited english proficiency: a guide for hospitals,” from The Disparities Solutions Center, Mongan Institute for Health Policy at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and Abt Associates, Cambridge, Massachusetts. (more…)
Read MoreClinician Resources: Intl Ostomy Assoc., Substance Use Disorder
Take a few minutes to check out this potpourri of resources.
International Ostomy Association
The International Ostomy Association is an association of regional ostomy associations that is committed to improving the lives of ostomates. Resources on the association’s website include:
- a variety of discussion groups
- information for patients
- list of helpful links.
The site also provides contact information for the regional associations. (more…)
Read MoreMaking sure patients have the ostomy supplies they need
By Connie Johnson, BSN, RN, WCC, LLE, OMS, DAPWCA
No matter where you work or who your distributors are, ensuring the patient has sufficient ostomy supplies can be a challenge. Whether you’re the nurse, the physician, the patient, or the family, not having supplies for treatments can heighten frustration with an already challenging situation, such as a new ostomy. Here’s how to reduce the chance of experiencing frustrations related to ostomy supplies. (more…)
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