Course Overview

A ‘long-term’ stoma refers to a stoma intended to be either for permanent use (i.e. not reversible) or for temporary, short-term use initially, but necessitated for an extended period. Under either circumstance, navigating life with a long-term stoma can present a myriad of challenges and care considerations.

This Ausmed Course provides learners with a multifaceted, practical understanding of these specific care needs and considerations for patients living with long-term stomas.

Topics

• Common indications for forming a long-term stoma
• Treatment considerations for co-existing conditions
• Stoma appliances
• Long-term stoma complications
• Psychosocial impacts and lifestyle considerations

Need

In Australia, more than 50,000 Australians are currently living with a stoma. There are a range of specific considerations to be made for individuals with long-term or permanent stomas, such as the ongoing management of their indicated pre-existing condition (e.g. bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease) and avoidance of common complications. Additionally, numerous studies indicate that an individual’s quality of life can be significantly impacted by the formation of a chronic stoma.

Education on the topic of long-term stomas is therefore necessary as it will equip healthcare professionals with a multifaceted, practical understanding of their patient’s needs and experiences, resulting in the provision of high-quality care and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose

To provide healthcare professionals with a multifaceted, practical understanding of the specific care needs and considerations for patients living with long-term stomas, in order to facilitate improved patient outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand common indications for forming a long-term stoma.
• Manage treatment considerations for co-existing conditions in tandem with stomal therapy requirements for patients with long-term stomas.
• Analyse and troubleshoot common complications when caring for patients with long-term stomas.
• Confidently educate patients and their carers about maintaining a long-term stoma alongside any co-existing conditions.

Target Audience

Nurses and other healthcare professionals looking to increase their understanding of best practices for the provision of care to patients who are living with stomas in the long-term.

Disclosure

No conflict of interest exists for anyone in the position to control content for this activity. Wherever possible, generic or non-proprietary names of medications or products have been used.

Educators

Presented by

Carmen George View profile

Carmen George is a stomal therapy nurse, as well as being actively involved with the World Council of Stomal Therapy (WCET) and the Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses. She has worked in stomal therapy since 1986 in public hospitals, private hospitals and in the wider community. Carmen has been involved in educational programs for stoma, wound and continence nurses in Australia, Indonesia, Iran and other countries.

Peer reviewed by

Leeanne Johnson View profile