Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this Journal Club the participant will be able to:
 

1. Describe the two primary differences introduced with “fast track” protocols for ostomy patients.
2. List two factors that can affect long-term adjustment to incontinent ostomies.
3. Describe two differences between cancer and non-cancer ostomy patient quality of life outcomes.

Background Information
An ostomy is an opening created surgically in order to allow for the passage of body wastes. The most common types are colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy. All three types require pouching systems to temporarily store waste products.

There are a number of issues for concern with ostomy patients, including surgical outcomes and quality of life issues. Ostomies can be temporary or permanent. Permanent ostomies present challenges related to surgery and possible complications, self-care capacity, and concerns about maintaining normal activity and social relationships.

This journal club will provide an overview of three recent articles that address some of these issues. The first will look at the potential for a “fast track” protocol that emphasizes education along with early dietary intake and physical activity to improve outcomes while reducing costs of care. The second article will look at factors that affect long-term adjustment of patients with incontinent ostomies. The third article provides an overview of the different factors that influence patient quality of life for the cancer and non-cancer patients with a permanent colostomy.