Ostomy patient management: care that engenders adaptation.

The patient requiring ostomy surgery has needs above and beyond the typical perioperative needs of an individual experiencing major abdominal surgery. These needs may be categorized as technical ostomy management, information, and emotional support. The health care team managing ostomy patients must be prepared to address the patients' need in these three categories. This can be accomplished when the multidisciplinary team establishes a comprehensive plan of care that consists of five elements: information, technical expertise, psychosocial support, referrals, and surveillance. Each element plays a critical role in the patients' adaptation to ostomy surgery. Pertinent aspects of each element are described. By incorporating these elements into the plan of care, the health care team engenders patient adaptation to ostomy surgery.