Chapter 6: Elimination
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Evidence‐based approaches
Stoma care has developed greatly over the years. Although an evidence base does exist, it mainly centres on clinical practice and experience (Davenport and Hayles [60]). There is a paucity of high‐quality evidence (McPhail [144]). A limited number of randomized controlled trials of ostomy equipment (Berg and Seidler [20], Colwell et al. [51], Kelly et al. [109], Moller Kruse and Storling [149], Walker et al. [241]) provide information on evidence‐based practice.
Stoma care is very individual and requires full holistic patient assessment. The primary aim is to promote patient independence by providing care and advice on managing the stoma, thereby allowing the patient, commonly known as the ostomate, to continue with all the necessary activities of daily living.
Rationale
Indications
Stoma care is essential:
- to collect faeces and/or urine in an appropriate appliance
- to achieve and maintain patient comfort and security
- to support psychological adaptation and independence.
