Occupational Therapy for Ostomy Patients in Acute Care: A Case Series

Background: Ostomy surgery, which diverts stool or urine through an abdominal stoma, significantly impacts individuals’ physical and psychosocial functioning. Skilled education and training are required to promote independence in ostomy self-care. Occupational therapists are uniquely equipped to address these needs through holistic, person-centered approaches. Method: This retrospective descriptive case series examines the integration of occupational therapy services, including ostomy-specific evaluation and intervention, for three patients in an acute care hospital. Results: Three cases, varying in age, diagnosis, and functional status, demonstrate individualized occupational therapy interventions targeting activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and health management, emphasizing ostomy self-management while supporting psychosocial adjustment. Outcome measures showed improvements in self-care performance and satisfaction. Conclusion: Findings provide preliminary evidence for occupational therapy’s distinct role in ostomy care and highlight the value of a biopsychosocial, occupation-based approach. This work supports the broader inclusion of occupational therapy in interprofessional ostomy care teams and the need for further research to establish best practices and examine long-term outcomes.