Follow-up care of stoma patients: a systematic literature review

Each year approximately 21 000 people undergo stoma formation surgery in the UK ( High Impact Action Steering Group, 2010 ). Stoma care nurses are involved throughout the care pathway and the role of the stoma care nurse is fundamental in helping these patients adapt to living with a stoma, so they can resume a ‘normal’ life. There is much literature relating to adaption to living with a stoma and complications, but what evidence is available to support the provision of follow-up care for stoma patients? In this article, Toni Johnson describes a systematic review of the literature.