Abstract
We conducted a questionnaire survey among Wound, Ostomy and Continence Certified Nurses (WOCN) to examine the use of ostomy supplies donated after the Great East Japan Earthquake. During the 4 days prior to the arrival of donated ostomy supplies, they used products stored at hospitals. However, these supplies were limited and ostomy patient requests could not be addressed sufficiently. For example, several patients did not know the exact names of the products they required, and some had to use different products due to an insufficient stock. Nurses provided guidance on the
proper product use, and WOCN felt that they were able to do this adequately.
Other issues that arose involved patients such as those who could not use scissors or those who insisted on using their own appliances. For these cases, the nurses commented on the necessity to be flexible while providing guidance. Effective stock control could be improved through the negotiation and disclosure of donated supplies among patient groups, medical societies and appliance associations.
