Changing Roles in WOC (ET) Nursing System in Japan

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to describe the historical change of stoma operation, Enterostomal Therapy nursing roles and professional education system in Japan. Japan Association of Enterostomal Therapy Nurses (JAET) formed in 1981 by 7 ET's, now has 120 active members in June 1997, who are hospital nurses, employees of companies, nursing school teachers, owners of ostomy centers and part time workers. In 1996, Japanese Nursing Association started Professional Regulation of Certificated WOC Nurse. 78.3% of JAET members wanted the transsition to certified nurse. The background of those change is caused by health care demand and health care reform. Also higher nursing education system raised high standard of Wound, Ostomy and Continence nursing.