| Abstract: |
Each year, many oncologic patients undergo surgery to create an ostomy. Nurses play a vital role in patient teaching and guidance in how to self-manage their ostomy. Nurses are often the first health care provider to teach patients basic ostomy skills and provide any needed psychosocial support that they may require due to their new ostomy. In addition to assisting a patient to become competent in the physical aspects of caring for their ostomy, addressing their unique psychosocial concerns and issues can ultimately increase their self-management skills and quality of life. Registered nurses are instrumental in evaluating and addressing the psychosocial needs of patients. Their ongoing support, education and referrals can have a positive impact on an ostomates overall adjustment to life with an ostomy and quality of life. The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate a toolkit of educational materials and resources for registered nurses on ostomy care. A descriptive design was used for this ostomy education toolkit study. The toolkit was reviewed by participants during one session. Information presented covered the psychosocial needs of ostomy patients, quality of life, support programs and ostomy types. Illustrations and links to online videos and organizations aided in learning. Total time for the study was approximately 60 minutes which included reviewing and completing informed consent, review of the presentation and completion of the Evaluation of Ostomy Care Toolkit Survey. Participants (n=31) found the educational intervention utilizing an electronic toolkit to be overwhelmingly useful to practice. The evaluation survey used a 4-point Likert-type scale (1=Definitely No, 2=Not Entirely, 3=To Some Degree, 4=Definitely Yes) with mean scores ranging from 3.71 to 4.00 with a standard deviation of 0.00 to 0.46. Qualitative data suggested the toolkit was well received among participants. The educational intervention focusing on the care of the ostomy patient was found to be a useful tool by registered nurses. Toolkits have the potential to be an effective method for enhancing nurse's knowledge of ostomy care and should be investigated further with nurses in other nursing specialties. The use of educational toolkits can be a useful method of providing education. Utilizing an electronic format allows for participants to access at any location, on their own schedule and complete at their own pace. |
