The combination of a regular contact with a WOC nurse and the use of a double-layer adhesive appliance led to a significant reduction in leakage and accessory use, improved skin condition, and significant improvement in health-related quality of life.

The DialogueStudy documented real-life experiences of the use of a double-layer adhesive ostomy appliance, SenSura (Coloplast A/S) with a focus on quality of life (QoL) and peristomal skin conditions. The overall mean QoL measured using the Stoma-QoL questionnaire improved from 58.1 ±10.2 at visit 1 to 59.9 ±9.9 at visit 2, 6–8 weeks later (P<0.0001). Factors correlating with QoL at visit 1 included leakage from the ostomy appliance, peristomal skin condition, age, gender and time since surgery. Three factors correlated with the improvement in QoL from visit 1 to visit 2: male gender, baseline leakage level and baseline Stoma-QoL value. As frequency of leakage influenced both the baseline QoL and the change in QoL, minimizing leakage is an important goal for stoma care nurses to improve the QoL for people with an ostomy.

Convex pouching systems have been available for ostomy patients for decades; however, controversy remains over the use of convexity in the postoperative period. A group of 10 nurses and physicians with expertise caring for patients with an ostomy completed a scoping review identifying research-based evidence and gaps in our knowledge of the safety and effectiveness related to the use of a convex pouching system following ostomy surgery. Results of this scoping review demonstrated the need for a structured consensus to defi ne best practices when selecting a pouching system that provides a secure and reliable seal around the stoma, avoids undermining and leakage of effl uent from the pouching system, and contributes to optimal healthrelated quality of life for patients following ostomy surgery. The expert panel reached consensus on 8 statements for the use of convex products immediately after surgery and throughout the fi rst 6 months after stoma creation, as well as describing goals in choosing the best pouching system for the patient with an ostomy.