New Standardized Ostomy Algorithm Aims to Help Nur...

A lot of ostomy care has moved away from highly specialized staff and hospitals to non-specialized clinicians and, sometimes, home care settings. Because of this, it has become increasingly more necessary to set standards for Ostomy care where a patient’s safety and quality of life can be assured.

Enter the Ostomy Algorithm, a set of 11 assessments for non-specialist clinicians to identify the type of ostomy and to optimize care for their patients.

Recently published in the journal Ostomy Wound Management, new quantitative and qualitative results validate the new standardized algorithm for Ostomy care, making it the first guideline for ostomy care management to go through content validation.

The algorithm was developed by an expert panel of WOCN clinicians along with ConvaTec, a manufacturer and provider of Ostomy supplies and innovative technologies in the field. Part of this algorithm includes one of ConvaTec’s new medical tools for health care professionals, known as the SACS Instrument, allowing clinicians to assess and classify peristomal skin lesions as well as track their progress. (Peristomal lesions are a complication facing many ostomates.)

The study validation consisted of 166 ostomy care experts who were asked to quantify the validity of the Ostomy Algorithm’s components on a 4 point grading scale.

Overall, individual scores ranged from 3.59 - 3.91 and an overall validity index of .95 out of 1.0.

These results are well-received; while further refinements are made, it demonstrates the potential for a standardized, evidence-based method for improved Ostomy care that benefits both health care professionals and patients alike.

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20101029/New-Ostomy-Algorithm-receives-support-of-nurses.aspx

Protecting Yourself from Stoma Injuries

Stoma injury of any kind is a constant concern for ostomates; especially those who are active in sports and activities. Injury is an unpleasant topic, but facing the reality helps prevent injuries and ensure good quality of life.

Stoma injuries can be caused from incorrect pouching or pouching accidents, tight belts, or external blunt force (getting hit with something, for instance, a ball or foot). The injury may bleed some and typically looks white or red. Generally, if you’re experiencing this, it’s likely you know the cause - but if you don’t, be mindful to understand what caused your injury so you can correct a possible persistent problem.

Tips to avoiding and treating injuring a stoma:

1) Activities with a lot of friction and impact like combat sports (martial arts, karate, wrestling) should be avoided since they put the stoma at risk of damage, or to the skin surrounding it. Weight lifting and strenuous exercise are enjoyed by many ostomates, but should be discussed with your doctor if you’ve recently had surgery so you’re aware of any limitations (either physical or while healing) so you can be assured you won’t create an injury.

2) Be Sure You’re Using Your Ostomy Pouch System Appropriately - Using your appliances incorrectly increases risk of injury. If you have questions about how to use your ostomy supplies or a new product, ask an Ostomy nurse for assistance so you’ll get the most out of it and prevent hurting yourself!

3) Try Ostomy Armor - a belt and plate that you use over a stoma to protect both your stoma and the appliance. It’s perfect for playing sports or activities where external force is possible. It’s medicare approved for insurance reimbursement and can be worn on commercial air flights.

4) Cleanliness - If you’ve experienced an injury, keep the stoma and the area around it tidy and clean. Irrigate with Saline Solution (you can purchase this or make it yourself) and ostomy cleaning supplies that keep the area clean and fresh. There are also a number of skin protecting creams and products designed to keep stoma output and mucus from compromising the skin or the site of an injury/irritation. Spending the time and using the right products to keep clean will make you feel better, reduce odor and prevent infections and irritations from developing.

While most injuries can heal on their own, if you’re experiencing abnormalities and discomfort from a stoma that cause you pain and discomfort, you should talk with a doctor. No advice can always address your specific personal needs, nor is it worth your health to assume so! While these guidelines can help you, if you’re suffering from an injury that needs treatment, you should talk with your doctor.

Have you ever had an injury to your stoma? Have any more tips or stories to help others prevent them from occurring? Please leave your comments below!

Hollister’s Guide for Routine Care Of Your O...

Just wanted to share this two page flier about Ostomy from Hollister that came across my radar last week. It’s well assembled and gives some basic guidelines to managing and caring for an Ostomy. Among them are tips for routine pouch care, skin care, some common terms and general maintenance. Here are a few:

• Prepare your new pouching system before you remove your used pouch.
• The best time for a routine pouching system change is in the morning before you have had anything to eat or drink.
• If you wear a two-piece pouching system, try placing the skin barrier on your body in a diamond shape for a smoother fit.
• If soap is needed, use a mild soap without lotions or creams that may leave a residue or film on your skin. This can interfere with the adhesive.
• Things NOT recommended for routine skin care around your stoma: soap with lotions creams, lotions, powders, baby wipes, isopropyl alcohol, steroidal medications or ointments.
• Pouch wear time may decrease during warmer seasons when you are perspiring more or during times of increased activity. This is normal, so anticipate and plan appropriately.

So yeah, it’s basic, but sometimes its better that way.

Here’s the flier PDF, I’m going to keep this one handy in our links as well.