Instructions
Take Another Course
|
Where to find support for ostomy patients It’s important for the clinician to talk with their patients about the type of support they need (and want). Some patients do not want to be part of an ostomy support group. Others do. The clinician should find out where the support groups get together locally so they can give this information to their patients. The United Ostomy Associations of America has a great web site, and a magazine called “The Phoenix” which is very helpful for ostomy patients. After patients are discharged from Home Care Services, it critical that get set up with a WOC nurse who can be contacted should any issues arise. All of the manufacturers have teaching tool handouts for patients. They will also send patients samples of products if they want to try something different. There is a wealth of information online. YouTube shows videos of ostomy appliance application, as well as how to use various products. Of course, some of these videos are made by professionals--and these are the ones patients should be encouraged to view.
What is covered by insurance each month? When ordering supplies the clinician should make sure they know how often the supplier allows them to be ordered. There are many insurance companies that require the patient to order all of their supplies for the month at the same time and will not allow them to place additional orders for that same month.
The clinician can make such a difference in their patient’s life by making sure they have all of the information on this slide when they are discharged from home care. This will serve to increase their confidence and decrease their anxiety.
The patient should be set up with a supplies provider. It is very helpful for the clinician to do this. The provider should have all the information they need including insurance, primary care physician’s name and phone number.
Then the clinician can set up their first order for the day after they are discharged from Home Care services. This way the clinician’s agency will not have to pay for them, but the patient will immediately get all the supplies they need. The patient should be given a written list of all the products they are using with ID numbers and the amounts/month that they are allowed. They should also receive the contact information for who to call should they have complications (WOCN, VNA, doctor, or some other). And, of course, it’s important for the patient to have a list of the various resources available.
|
