Pat Black

The role of accessory products in patients with a stoma

Intact skin provides a barrier between the body and its environment, and it follows that damage to the peristomal skin can be a significant problem for the person with a stoma. As many as one-third of colostomy patients and two-thirds of ileostomy and urostomy patients will be affected. Usage and opinions about accessory products in stoma care vary enormously and patients can identify accessory products as being necessary for their physical and psychological wellbeing.

Supporting patient care with appropriate accessories

cornerstone of stoma care and yet the prevalence of skin problems is high, which then leads to clinical challenges impacting on the stoma patient’s quality of life. Elcoat and Frost (2010) stated there should be no avoidable skin complications for patients with a stoma. Therefore, it seems propitious that the stoma care nurse uses all that is in their armoury to prevent these complications from occurring. What is the best way for the stoma care nurse to support the patient after stoma formation, apart from using the correct appliance, to avoid peristomal skin complications? Purnell (2014) suggested that there is a misleading nomenclature in the use of the term ‘accessory’ in stoma care, which may lead to many prescribers considering a request for skin protectors, adhesive removers, seals and flange extenders to be nonessential items and financially burdensome. However, accessories can be considered to be supporting items to the appliance system that will help to optimise the wear time and maximise the value in stoma care spend. Over the next 6 years the global ostomy care/stoma care market is expected to reach USD

The use of flange extenders to support patient care

3.41 billion by 2021 from USD

Assessing the value of silicone and hydrocolloid products in stoma care.

2.62 billion in 2016 (Markets and Markets, 2016). However, the spend on accessory products in the UK escalated from £12 million in 2000 to £53 million in 2012 (Black, 2013). Many stoma patients do not need accessories unless there is a problem with the peristomal skin at some stage in their life, but many stoma patients pick up products such as adhesive removers or skin protector sprays at patient open days and then request them to be put on their stoma prescription. Many of these patients will have not seen their stoma care nurse for a long time or have moved to another area and the GP has little to no knowledge of these products, so prescribes them ad infinitum for the patient. Supporting patient care with appropriate accessories

Peristomal skin care: an overview of available products

Pat Black, Senior Lecturer, St Marks Institute of GI Nursing, St Marks Hospital, explores one option for stoma care nurses to consider that could help improve patient confidence and comfort.