Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights

Abstract

An estimated 725,000 to 1 million people are living with an ostomy or continent diversion in the United States, and approximately 100,000 ostomy surgeries are performed each year in the United States. As a result of ostomy surgery, bodily waste is rerouted from its usual path because of malfunctioning parts of the urinary or digestive system. An ostomy can be temporary or permanent. The ostomy community is an underserved population of patients. United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc (UOAA), is a nonprofi t organization dedicated to promoting quality of life for people with ostomies and continent diversions through information, support, advocacy, and collaboration. Over the years, UOAA has received hundreds of stories from people who have received inadequate care. In the United States, patients receiving medical care have certain health rights. For ostomy and continent diversion patients, these rights are known as the "You Matter! Know What to Expect and Know Your Rights-Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights" (PBOR). These rights defi ne and provide a guide to patients and health care professionals as to what the best practices are when receiving and providing high-quality ostomy care during all phases of the surgical experience. This includes preoperative to postoperative care and throughout the life span when living with an ostomy or continent diversion.In 2020, the National Quality Forum released "The Care We Need: Driving Better Health Outcomes for People and Communities," a National Quality Task Force report that provides a road map where every person in every community can expect to consistently and predictably receive high-quality care by 2030 (thecareweneed.org). One of the core strategic objectives this report stated is to ensure appropriate, safe, and accessible care. Actionable opportunities to drive change include accelerating adoption of leading practices. The adoption of the PBOR best practices will drive the health care quality improvement change needed for the ostomy and continent diversion population. There are concerns in the ostomy and continent diversion communities among patients and health care professionals that the standards of care outlined in the PBOR are not occurring across the United States in all health care settings. There are further concerns stated by health care professionals that the patient-centered recommendations outlined in the PBOR need to be strengthened by being supported with available published health care evidence.The work of this task force was to bring together members of UOAA's Advocacy Committee, members of the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN Society) Public Policy and Advocacy Committee, and representatives from surgical organizations and industry to create a systemic change by validating through evidence the Ostomy and Continent Diversion PBOR. Through the work of the task force, each component of the PBOR has been substantiated as evidencebased. Thus, this article validates the PBOR as a guideline for high-quality standards ...

Perceptions and Experiences of Privacy Among Persons With an Ostomy Receiving Treatment and Care

“…The right to privacy is not a recent concept in nursing but a fundamental principle that has been addressed in nursing education and practice for years 13,32. The protection of patient privacy is among the first things that are taught to nurses in nursing practice, and privacy rights are especially important for patients living with an ostomy who experience variable levels of acceptance of their ostomy and health-related quality of life 32–35. We also found that some participants expressed variable levels of comfort with their ostomy.…”

Spontaneous Resolution of Parastomal Gallbladder Herniation After Attempted Surgical Intervention: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…There are approximately 100,000 operations for stoma creation performed in the United States each year [ 1 ]. An estimated 725,000 to 1 million people currently live with a stoma or continent diversion in the United States alone [ 1 ].…”

“…There are approximately 100,000 operations for stoma creation performed in the United States each year [ 1 ]. An estimated 725,000 to 1 million people currently live with a stoma or continent diversion in the United States alone [ 1 ]. Parastomal hernias are a subset of incisional hernias that arise through a fascial defect between the enterostomy and abdominal wall.…”

A basic guide to discharging the postsurgery patient with an ostomy to the community

“…On an annual basis, approximately 100,000 surgeries are performed, and each patient must go through the discharge process. 1 The discharge process is an integral part of the patient's well-being and outcomes in the community. The first day of admission begins with developing a plan of care.…”

“…Approximately 725,000 to 1 million people in the US live with an ostomy or continent diversion device. On an annual basis, approximately 100,000 surgeries are performed, and each patient must go through the discharge process 1. The discharge process is an integral part of the patient's well-being and outcomes in the community.…”