The urostomy: The poor relation?

Abstract

Aims/Objective To discuss the findings of a small research project about knowledge of urostomies amongst health care professionals (HCPs). Background The lead author's urostomy was formed in 2015. From early dealings with HCPs, it was clear that knowledge about urostomies was lacking. In particular, many do not know how to take an uncontaminated urine sample for testing. This has led to treatment delays, anxiety and frustration and caused the author to question care she had received. Discussions with other patients suggested a commonality in experience. Method and findings Working with a researcher from a UK‐based stoma charity, we conducted a small qualitative survey of urostomates via a Facebook support group. This asked the question: “How knowledgeable have you found Healthcare Professionals about urostomies?” 52 patients responded. Of these, 50 indicated that lack of knowledge was normal in encounters with HCPs. While in some clinical settings this is understandable, it was notable that some respondents recorded instances where staff on urological wards seemed to confuse a nephrostomy with a urostomy. Conclusion Urostomies are rare. It is estimated that 10 000 people in the United Kingdom have a urostomy, compared with between 110 000 and 120 000 with colostomies/ileostomies. HCPs encounter few during their career. Finding a way to embed knowledge and keep it up‐to‐date is therefore central to the problem. Our project has provided the impetus for larger scale research, with the aim of addressing this issue and improving the treatment and care that patients with urostomies receive.