Abstract
A survey was conducted of the directors of the Yamanashi Nursing Association Visiting Nurses Stations(stations)at 8 locations to assess their relations with medical institutions during ostomate support. Four out of 8 stations responded that communication before and after discharge of patients from medical institutions was inadequate. At 4 stations,directly witnessing device exchange by ostomates before discharge from hospital was possible,but only 1 station has a physician in attendance. With regard to the summary of the nursing reports,6 stations answered that it was inadequate. The problems in communicating with medical institutions included the contact person not being clearly indicated,differences of opinion between physicians and nurses at the same institution,and refusal to provide information due to privacy guidelines. We expected medical institutions to hold a pre-discharge conference,ensure the physician's attendance,clearly indicate who to contact,and assign appropriate personnel,as well as explaining how ostomates should judge the problems that must be reported. With regard to communication between medical institutions and visiting nurse stations,it is necessary to improve the understanding of their mutual responsibilities.
