Patients and families have a great responsibility for their surgical recovery. The American College of Surgeons Division of Education Surgical Patient Education Program provides the knowledge and skills needed to support patients during their continued postoperative care. This patient education program provides the opportunity to learn and practice crucial skills needed for optimal recovery. The program reviews the ostomy procedure, emptying and changing a pouch, problem solving and emergencies, and home management tips.

This program is made possible in part by the generous support of an education grant from Coloplast Corp.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the daily care needed for a colostomy/ileostomy.
• Name the basic equipment that is used for ostomy care.
• Describe the steps for ostomy home care including: how to empty and change a pouch, how to measure and cut a pouch, and basic problem-solving skills.
• Identify how to manage common ostomy problems including: irritated and red skin, barrier not sticking, dehydration, inactive stoma, stoma bleeding, stoma prolapse, and stoma retraction.
• Describe how to manage everyday activities including bathing, exercise and traveling.

Course Outline

• Your Colostomy/Ileostomy
• Ostomy Skills
  • Measuring and Cutting a Pouch
  • Emptying and Changing a Pouch
• Problem Solving and Emergencies
• Home Management and Other Resources
• Evaluation
• Certificate of Completion

Target Audience

• Patients requiring a colostomy/ileostomy
• Family members/caretakers of patients requiring a colostomy/ileostomy

Contact

If you have any questions about this skills program, contact surgicalpatienteducation@facs.org.

If you have any technical questions, contact learning@facs.org.