Experiences from practice: using a stoma output absorbent cartridge

Br J Nurs. 2022 Dec 15;31(22):S26-S33. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2022.31.22.S26.

Abstract

Having a stoma is a life-changing event, and it can be an overwhelming and difficult experience. It may be very challenging managing stoma care in certain occasions and, without the proper support, this could affect patient's quality of life negatively. This is especially important when patients are faced with complex stomas, which may make stoma care problematic. Therefore, these patients require extensive postoperative support from skilled stoma nurses as their experience, continuous support, and knowledge of different products, including new innovative products, is essential in supporting stoma patients. This article explores the successful use of an innovative stoma output absorbent cartridge to improve patients' quality of life, restore confidence, reduce anxiety, empower them to self-care and effectively manage overactive stomas during appliance change, as well as potentially avoiding delays in hospital discharge, reducing waste of stoma products, and facilitating stoma complication management procedures and training in new stoma patients.

Keywords: Complex stoma; High-output stoma; Innovation; Stoma accessories; Stoma care; Stoma output absorbent cartridge.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Patients
  • Postoperative Period
  • Quality of Life*
  • Self Care
  • Surgical Stomas* / adverse effects