Post-Discharge Phone Call and Quality of Life for New Ostomy Patients
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Date
2017-04-24
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Authors
Orr, Debra
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Abstract
Over 100,000 ostomy surgeries are performed yearly in the United States. Quality of life (QOL) for colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy patients has been extensively researched. A member of the wound ostomy continence (WOC) nurse department served as the leader of the quality improvement project. Patients with new ostomy formation at the practice change site completed a QOL survey. Some patients received a supportive phone call from the project leader before completing the QOL survey. QOL scores did not improve in this small patient population (n = 3) after the supportive phone call. QOL scores at the practice change site were lower for younger patients, ileostomy patients, and patients with less social support. The project leader developed a QOL risk assessment tool for use in identifying patients with potential for lower QOL. Challenges with the project included number of patients meeting inclusion criteria and inability to contact patients after discharge.