Undertake stoma care
Overview
This standard covers undertaking the care of a bowel/bladder stoma. This may be for individuals with new stomas or for individuals with established stomas who are unable to manage their own stoma care.
Where the stoma is newly formed in the immediate post-operative period, these activities must be undertaken using an aseptic technique and following organisational guidelines and procedures.
The standard is applicable in a variety of care settings including hospitals, care homes, the individuals own home or other community settings such as GP surgeries.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in undertaking stoma care
P2. provide support to the individual, ensuring that you respect their rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs and dignity
P3. check the individual's identity and confirm the planned activity
P4. establish consent and access information on undertaking stoma care
P5. confirm all equipment and materials for stoma care are:
a. as prescribed/detailed in the individual's plan of care
b. appropriate to the procedure
c. fit for purpose
P6. carry out stoma care:
a. at an appropriate time according to the individual's plan of care
b. using appropriate techniques
c. in line with manufacturer's instructions
d. in a manner which optimises the individual's comfort and dignity and minimises pain and trauma
P7. observe and support the individual throughout the stoma care
P8. recognise and report any condition or behaviour which may signify adverse reactions to the activity and take the appropriate action
P9. encourage individuals to communicate any concerns about their stoma care needs and functioning
P10. monitor and report on the individual's pattern of stoma function, consistency of body waste and any changes that may have occurred
P11. encourage and assist individuals to select and consume food and drink and take medication if prescribed to maintain effective stoma function
P12. provide active support for individuals to manage their own stoma in a manner that promotes self-respect, maximises privacy and is consistent with the plan of care
P13. provide stoma care equipment at a time and place convenient to the individual’s needs and circumstances
P14. take appropriate action when the stoma care equipment appears to be inappropriate or unsuitable
P15. give individuals the opportunity to dispose of their own used stoma care equipment and maintain their personal hygiene
P16. ensure that equipment and soiled linen is disposed of safely, hygienically and in ways which minimise the risk of cross infection
P17. complete all relevant documentation required for undertaking stoma care
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions, legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols needed to undertake stoma care
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K4. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K5. why individuals should be supported and informed about the activity or procedure
K6. the concerns and worries which individuals may have in relation to undertaking stoma care
K7. the importance of exercising sensitivity to the individual's perception of the situation
K8. the factors which will affect the level of assistance required such as age, medical condition, personal beliefs and preferences
K9. the adverse reactions which may occur during and following stoma care activities and how to identify and deal with these
K10. the role of the Stoma Care specialist practitioner and how they can be contacted
K11. the different types of stoma, and the equipment, materials, and appliances available
K12. the anatomy in relation to the position and function of
a. colostomies
b. ileostomies
c. ileal conduits
d. nephrostomy
K13. the effects of diet and mobility on stoma function
K14. the potential consequences of contamination of stoma drainage systems
K15. the suitability of stoma appliances for different types of stoma
K16. the importance of involving the individual in the care of their stoma
K17. the importance of providing the individual with sufficient stoma care materials to carry out stoma care themselves
K18. how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
K19. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements