Role of the enterostomal therapy nurse in ostomy patient rehabilitation

Abstract

Enterostomal therapy (ET) nurses specialize in the management of patients with urinary and fecal diversions, draining wounds and fistulas, fecal and urinary incontinence, and chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers and vascular ulcers. ET nurses have much to offer in the management of patients with cancer. Such nurses play a major role in the rehabilitation of patients undergoing fecal or urinary diversions. Preoperative services include: counseling regarding planned surgical procedure, the impact of an ostomy on the patient's life, and the basics of ostomy management: sexual counseling; and stoma site selection. Postoperatively, the ET nurse instructs the patient and family in ostomy care, dietary and fluid alterations, and ways to incorporate ostomy management into the patient's life. The ET nurse also provides long‐term follow‐up care in outpatient settings: such care includes ongoing counseling, education, and surveillance for complications requiring medical intervention. ET nurses can recommend appropriate measures to prevent and manage skin breakdown that is related to immobility, friable skin, incontinence, and/or radiation therapy. They also can assist in correcting or containing fecal or urinary incontinence and in cost‐effective management of draining wounds and fistulas.

A chance to live: Women's experiences of living with a colostomy after rectal cancer surgery

“…For the correct measures to be taken, it is a prerequisite that health‐care personnel know how the patients experience their situation 36,37 . The enterostomal therapist plays an important role as they follow the patient all the way through the care chain, from the hospital stage and into the future and they have a responsibility to give information that is needed 38,39 . The goal of cancer care must be to help the person with cancer to achieve the best possible quality of life 40…”

A Qualitative Study of Patient Perspectives on Colorectal Cancer

“…One possible explanation for this pattern is the naturopath's predominant use of diet and nutrition‐related interventions corresponding to proposed diet‐related factors in the etiology of colorectal cancer. 15 Future research might further investigate the role of naturopaths with colorectal cancer patients.…”

The Impact of Preoperative Stoma Site Marking on the Incidence of Complications, Quality of Life, and Patient’s Independence

“…[2][3][4][5][6] Several studies reported a reduction in postoperative stoma-related complications in patients who underwent preoperative stoma site marking and education, 4,[7][8][9] and the relevant literature emphasizes the important role that enterostomal therapists have in the treatment of ostomates. [10][11][12][13] The purpose of this study was to evaluate how preoperative marking of the stoma site and education by an enterostomal therapist influence patients' quality of life (QOL), whether they improve patients' independence, and what is their effect on the rates of postoperative complications.…”