Community nurses will have people with a stoma on their caseload, and a reminder about stoma and stoma care will hopefully increase confidence and, subsequently, care. There are approximately 205 000 people in the UK with a stoma; it is a common condition, with approximately one in every 340 people having a stoma. While quality of life with a stoma can be good, problems can occur, such as a leaking appliance that results in skin damage. Skin damage can occur for all people with a stoma, but is more common for people with an ileostomy. Appliance leakage can increase stoma care costs, time, financially as well as a decrease in quality of life, so it is important to be able to address issues when they arise or refer on as necessary.
Keywords: colostomy; ileal conduit; ileostomy; nursing; stoma; stoma appliances; urostomy.