A Proactive Approach to Using Moldable Skin Barriers to Enhance Ostomy Care: A Multiple Case Series.

Abstract

Background: The rise in gastrointestinal diseases in the Asia-Pacific region has led to an increased need for ostomy surgeries. The occurrence of peristomal skin complications (PSCs) challenges the principal goal of ostomy nursing, achieving self-efficacy in ostomy management and restoration of optimal physical health and health-related quality of life.

Cases: We present three cases to illustrate the challenges and solutions in ostomy care, emphasizing the role of moldable skin barriers. A female patient's anxiety related to the complex self-care process post-surgery was alleviated by a moldable skin barrier with an easier application process. A female patient with extensive skin maceration benefited from a moldable skin barrier with enhanced adhesion, paired with a protective crusting technique. In the third case, a young girl's social and educational life, hampered by constant ostomy pouch system leakage, improved with the adoption of a moldable skin barrier that provided a secure fit.

Conclusions: In each of these cases, use of moldable skin barriers improved self-care, skin health, and health-related quality of life. We have found a paucity of current literature reflecting the benefits of these barriers, and this article addresses this gap.