An evaluation of the Canadian ostomy assessment guide

The Canadian Ostomy Assessment Guide was developed to assist in the selection of appropriate pouching systems by nonspecialized nurses. Since its development in 1999 until December 2001, 4,500 nurses across Canada have been trained to use the Canadian Ostomy Assessment Guide in their clinical practice. Because the effects of its use had not been studied, a prospective, cohort study was conducted to assess the effect of the guideline on pouching system wear time and cost; peristomal skin condition; patients' perceptions of their ostomies, pouching system, and sense of well-being; and usefulness of this generic clinical tool. Registered nurses were trained to use the Canadian Ostomy Assessment Guide and study data collection sheets, including the Quality of Life questionnaire. All patients were assessed three times and an end of study evaluation was completed following the third and final visit. Fifty patients (26 men, 24 women) were enrolled and completed the study. Following implementation of the Canadian Ostomy Assessment Guide, appliance wear time increased an average of 1.5 days (P < 0.001) and pouching system costs decreased (mean $1.80 Canadian/day, P < 0.05). No significant differences in peristomal skin status were observed, but patient sense of well being and security increased significantly during the study (P <0.05). The Canadian Ostomy Assessment Guide was rated as an extremely useful clinical tool by 67% of the nonspecialized nurses who used it. Ostomy patients experience major benefits when nonspecialized nurses use this generic clinical tool to select an appropriate pouching system.