(PI-025) Development of an all-in-one coaching app with an industry manufacturer for ostomates to complement ERAS (Enhanced recovery after surgery) protocols; motivate, empower & help retention of education
Co-Author(s):
Introduction: Studies show that education for patients scheduled for ostomy surgery is most effective before surgery1. However, since patients could be dealing with emotions of a new diagnosis or further treatments, they may find it difficult to retain information. Recognizing the need for initial and continued education as well as increased touchpoints, a comprehensive app designed for the needs of a person living with an ostomy was released.
Methods: A pilot version of the app was launched in December of 2021. After 4 months, input was gathered from a group of Wound, Ostomy, Continence (WOC) nurses and ostomates in the U.S. A review of the US guidelines for education of ostomates in the U.S.2-4 was also completed.
Results: After 4 months, the app is being used by 500 people. During the interviews, we identified the needs of the ostomate may change throughout their patient journey. Since people learn in different ways, we also wanted a way to empower and motivate the individuals to take control of their ostomy pouching routine by incorporating videos, checklists and personal goal-setting.
Discussion: Implementing a comprehensive teaching app for new ostomates, prior to ostomy surgery could improve information retention in new ostomy patients. The app has been utilized to log pouch changes, create goals such as early mobilization, track wear times, and if consented and agreed, has capability for ostomates to download and share skin condition with their nurse. Because, many ostomates lack access to outpatient clinics or WOC nurses, having a comprehensive app could be beneficial. A recent consensus article suggests it is important to have an assessment by an ostomy nurse when a pouching system is changed5, so having a way to download and communicate with photos could be helpful. More research is needed to assess the impact and capabilities of this app.
Trademarked Items:
References: 1. Carmichel, et. al: Clinical practice guideline for enhanced recovery after colon and rectal surgery from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES); from Surg Endosc (2017) 31:3412–3436
2. J Colwell, et. al, Outcome criteria for Discharge of HH Patient with a new Ostomy, J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2016;43(3):269-273.
3. Goldberg, et. al, Clinical Guideline: Management of the Adult Patient with a Fecal or Urinary Ostomy, wocn.org 2017
4. Gustafsson, et al. Guidelines for perioperative care in elective colorectal surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society recommendations: 2018. World journal of surgery. 2019 Mar;43(3):659-95.
5. Colwell J, Stoia Davis J, Emodi K, et al. Use of a Convex Pouching System in the Postoperative Period: A National Consensus. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2022;49(3):240-246.