Practical stoma care: a community approach

Successful rehabilitation of the stoma patient in the community depends on several factors: understanding the type of stoma constructed and whether it is temporary or permanent; understanding which type of appliance is the correct one to use; having a knowledge of alternative appliances if the original is found to be difficult to use or causing skin problems; and trouble shooting for the common problems sometimes seen after stoma surgery. Obviously, a new stoma patient with no previous experience of a stoma or appliances will rely totally on the stoma care specialist or the community nurse. In many areas of the UK new stoma patients are often referred to the community nurse for follow up after hospital discharge, However, community nurses may easily come across ‘lost ostomists’ and need to give help and advice on problems or new appliances. Once a stoma patient is discharged from hospital, community nurses have a valuable role to play in the patient’s rehabilitation and return to a normal and productive life.