No abstract

Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) have a significant impact on quality of life and ostomy treatment costs. This study aimed to assess the healthcare resource use for patients with an ileostomy and PSCs symptoms. Two surveys were developed and, after validation by healthcare professionals and patients, data were collected on healthcare resource use while not experiencing any PSCs symptoms and while experiencing complications of various severities, as defined by the modified Ostomy Skin Tool. Costs applied to resource use were assigned from relevant United Kingdom sources. Additional healthcare resource use associated with PSCs, relative to no complications, was estimated to result in a total cost per instance of £258, £383, and £505 for mild, moderate, or severe PSC, respectively. The average estimated total cost per complication instance, weighted across mild, moderate, and severe PSCs, was £349. Severe‐level PSCs were associated with the highest cost, because of the treatment‐level required and the longer duration of symptoms. There is potential for clinical benefits and economising in stoma care if interventions are implemented that reduce the incidence and/or severity of PSCs.

Background: Leakage is the number one concern for people with an ostomy. The 2019 Ostomy Life Study, a global study of more than 5000 ostomates, showed that 92% of people living with a stoma worry about leakage. Getting the right stoma appliance for each patient is key to increasing patient quality of life. Aim: The study was designed to assess the use of the Peristomal Body Profile Assessment Tool in helping choose the most appropriate stoma products for a given patient, decreasing incidents of leakage and peristomal skin complications. Methods: A multi-centre (33 sites, 147 patients) low-interventional clinical investigation was conducted in which the use of the Peristomal Body Profile Assessment Tool was evaluated as a tool to reduce incidents of leakage, increase peristomal skin health and increase patient quality of life. A focus group of randomised participating clinicians (n=16) was held to explore the audit results. Results: The assessment tool most often took between 2 and 5 minutes to complete. It supported clinicians in selecting the right appliance for each patient, avoiding leakages and preventing associated peristomal skin complications. The assessment tool helped improve the accuracy and quality of documentation in the patients' medical/nursing notes, increasing the quality and continuity of care. Participants reported that using the assessment tool helped reduce care costs by reducing the need for product changes, supporting product usage and return patient visits. Conclusion: Use of the Peristomal Body Profile Assessment Tool helped clinicians choose the most appropriate stoma appliance the first time, resulting in patients having healthier peristomal skin, fewer leakages, more confidence in their stoma appliance and a higher quality of life.

Natasha Rolls, Lead Stoma Care Nurse Specialist at Bristol Royal Infirmary, introduces a project to raise the profile of stoma care nurses