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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to identify the needs for evidence based enterostomal therapy care.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to understand the need for competent educated enterostomal therapist(WOCN)nurses.
There are currently nine accredited enterostomal therapy nurse education programs in the United States. Estimates of all ostomy surgeries (those involving any opening from the abdomen for the removal of either feces or urine) range from 42,000 to 65,000 each year; about half are temporary. Educating the public at large with regards to the services an of enterostomal therapy nurse can provide is essential.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in the Mississippi Delta Region. A questionnaire was administered to twenty voluntary patients who recently had undergone ostomy surgery. These participants received nursing care from either an Enterostomal Therapist verses a Registered Nurse while in the hospital. The questionnaire then identified areas which later were to be developed into an interview format. Three questions were given to each participant. The answers were triangular and common themes were identified. A proposal was written based on the themes identified for further phenomenological investigation utilizing intensive interviewing of 9 of the subjects selected purposively.
Results: The results of this study support that ostomy patients felt more confident and have achieved a better quality of life post surgery when compared to the patients who did not recieve education from an Enterostomal Therapist.
Conclusion: The Health Care Providers cannot under estimate the need for quality care of this population. More funding needs to be obtained and educational programs in Enterostomal Therapy. The University setting needs to include more education on ostomy and skin care to provide at least a basic understanding for the new graduate with regards to ostomy care.
See more of: Evidence-Based Practice Sessions – Oral Paper & Posters