Stoma Care and Rehabilitation

Book excerpt: This book provides a comprehensive description of stoma care including the physical and psychological care of patients pre- and post-operatively. The patient-centred style of nursing shows how nurses' knowledge and skills can be specifically used to promote patients' long term rehabilitation as well as fulfill their immediate requirements. Patient scenarios give a dynamic sense of the concerns which many patients experience, and how their needs can be helpfully addressed. All the chapter contributors have specialist knowledge in stoma care and/or related fields such as communication, psychosocial care and pharmacology. How to plan and provide care so that it actively supports patients' early stages of recovery and long-term rehabilitation goals. How to use communication skills strategically to foster a collaborative relationship with patients and their familites. Care of patients with 'conventional' and 'internal' bowel and urinary stomas. Care of patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, including the effects these may have on stomal output and appliance management. Management of patient's sexual concerns and problems. Helping patients manage loss and change, and achieve psychological wellbeing. Care of patients with fistulae.