Survey of stoma care nurses regarding consideration of odor

Abstract

　We conducted a survey involving 308 nurses at ten hospitals in Japan to examine the consideration given to odor control during stoma care. When changing the stoma appliance, 52% of respondents always considered odor, and 57% were always conscious to minimize odor at the tail end of the drainable bags. This tendency was stronger for those with longer nursing experience. Experienced nurses tended not to be bothered by the odor while changing the stoma appliance. In addition, more experienced nurses practiced better stoma care in terms of considering odor regarding the location for changing the stoma appliance, method for disposing of ostomy bags, method of cleaning the ostomy bag's drainable tail, and giving explanations to patients about deodorization measures.
　From previous experiences regarding odor, nurses consulted by ostomates strongly considered odor ; however there was no correlation between the consideration for oder and complaints from a patient in the same room or whether nurses received indications and guidance from senior or fellow workers. This study suggests that education to promote a consideration of odor during stoma care practices is important regardless of nursing the level of experience.