Competency-Based Virtual Clinical Practicum in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quality Improvement Project.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the quality improvement (QI) project was to provide a learner and faculty preceptor high quality virtual clinical practicum (VCP) for Wound, Ostomy, Continence (WOC) Nurse learners during the COVID-19 pandemic and disseminate findings. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Project participants were registered nurses post-bachelor's degree or higher with a minimum of 1-year clinical experience who had completed and passed the didactic portion of a Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Education Program (WOCNEP). Learners completing the WOCNEP's VCP and the faculty preceptors were the subjects for this QI report. The setting was a virtual platform allowing live time visibility and interactions between learners and faculty preceptors including the ability to share documents and procedural videos. An initial group of 62 learners were asked open-ended questions after completion of the VCP; the most frequently recurring themes were converted into 5-point Likert scale questions as the evaluation tool completed by an additional 234 learners. In total, 296 learners completing the VCP evaluated this novel 100% simulation virtual practicum. APPROACH: This QI project evaluated a 100% simulation-based practicum at a WOCENP based in the United States. A competency based VCP used the Competency Outcomes and Performance Assessment (COPA) model. Learners were taught competencies via a preparatory virtual lab and then had to prepare documents and videos or pictures with step-by-step instructions prior to attending a Live Competency Assessment Lab with faculty preceptors and a small group of peer learners. OUTCOMES: Appraisal of the VCP was based on course evaluations anonymously completed by each of the 296 learners. Faculty preceptors were queried regarding their VCP evaluation and certification exam pass rates were tallied. Findings indicate positive outcomes of the VCP competency-based practicum from student and faculty preceptor perspectives along with higher certification pass rates; specifically, wound care pass rates increased by 16%, ostomy care increased by 18% and continence care pass rates increased by 13%. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Our reported experiences strongly suggest a VCP offers an attractive option for fulfilling practicum requirements while reducing barriers of the in-person split option practicum.

Risk and Economic Burden of Peristomal Skin Complications Following Ostomy Surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence and economic burden of peristomal skin complications (PSCs) following ostomy surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study based on electronic health records and administrative data stores at a large US integrated healthcare system. SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS: The sample comprised 168 patients who underwent colostomy (ICD-9-CM 46.1X) (n = 108), ileostomy (46.2X) (n = 40), cutaneous ureteroileostomy (56.5X), or other external urinary diversion (56.6X) (n = 20) between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014. The study setting was an integrated health services organization that serves more than 2 million persons in the northeastern United States. METHODS: We scanned electronic health records of all study subjects to identify those with evidence of PSCs within 90 days of ostomy surgery and then examined healthcare utilization and costs over 120 days, beginning with date of surgery, among patients with and without evidence of PSCs. Testing for differences in continuous measures between the 3 ostomy groups was based on one-way analysis of variance; testing for differences in such measures between the PSC and non-PSC groups was based on a t statistic, and the χ statistic was used to test for differences in categorical measures. RESULTS: Sixty-one subjects (36.3%) had evidence of PSCs within 90 days of ostomy surgery (ileostomy, 47.5%; colostomy, 36.1%; urinary diversion, 15.0%; P < .05 for differences between groups). Among patients with evidence of PSCs, the mean (SD) time from surgery to first notation of this complication was 26.4 (19.0) days; it was 24.1 (13.2) days for ileostomy, 27.2 (21.1) days for colostomy, and 31.7 (25.7) days for urinary diversion (P = .752). Patients with PSCs were more likely to be readmitted to hospital by day 120 (55.7% vs 35.5% for those without PSCs; P = .011). The mean length of stay for patients readmitted to hospital was 11.0 days for those with PSCs and 6.8 days for those without PSCs (P = .111). The mean total healthcare cost over 120 days was $58,329 for patients with evidence of PSCs and $50,298 for those without evidence of PSCs (P = .251). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of ostomy patients developed PSCs within 90 days of their surgery. Peristomal skin complications are associated with a greater likelihood of hospital readmission. Our findings corroborate results of earlier studies.

Calcinosis Cutis: WOC Nurse Management.

BACKGROUND: Calcinosis cutis is characterized by deposition of calcium in the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. This condition may be initially identified by the WOC nurse, and its management requires a team approach. Calcinosis cutis is a debilitating and painful condition; it is difficult to manage, and widely agreed-upon standards for treatment have not been established. CASES: Two patients who presented with calcium deposits in the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue are discussed. The first was initially misdiagnosed as venous ulcerations; the second presented with a confirmed diagnoses of calcinosis cutis, Raynaud's disease, and scleroderma. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of a standardized approach to treatment of calcinosis cutis, successful management of these patients was achieved by adhering to evidence-based wound-healing principles: (1) find and treat the underlying cause, (2) support the host, and (3) adhere to moist wound-healing principles.

Clinical and Economic Burden of Peristomal Skin Complications in Patients With Recent Ostomies.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the risk and economic burden of peristomal skin complications (PSCs) in a large integrated healthcare system in the Midwestern United States. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 128 patients; 40% (n = 51) underwent colostomy, 50% (n = 64) underwent ileostomy, and 10% (n = 13) underwent urostomy. Their average age was 60.6 ± 15.6 years at the time of ostomy surgery. METHODS: Using administrative data, we retrospectively identified all patients who underwent colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy between January 1, 2008, and November 30, 2012. Trained medical abstractors then reviewed the clinical records of these persons to identify those with evidence of PSC within 90 days of ostomy surgery. We then examined levels of healthcare utilization and costs over a 120-day period, beginning with date of surgery, for patients with and without PSC, respectively. Our analyses were principally descriptive in nature. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 128 patients who underwent ostomy surgery (colostomy, n = 51 [40%]; ileostomy, n = 64 [50%]; urostomy, n = 13 [10%]). Approximately one-third (36.7%) had evidence of a PSC in the 90-day period following surgery (urinary diversion, 7.7%; colostomy, 35.3%; ileostomy, 43.8%). The average time from surgery to PSC was 23.7 ± 20.5 days (mean ± SD). Patients with PSC had index admissions that averaged 21.5 days versus 13.9 days for those without these complications. Corresponding rates of hospital readmission within the 120-day period following surgery were 47% versus 33%, respectively. Total healthcare costs over 120 days were almost $80,000 higher for patients with PSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of ostomy patients over a 5-year study period had evidence of PSCs within 90 days of surgery. Costs of care were substantially higher for patients with these complications.

Does Increasing or Decreasing the Daily Intake of Water/Fluid by Adults Affect Overactive Bladder Symptoms?

BACKGROUND: Modifying fluid intake to decrease overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, urgency, frequency, and urge urinary incontinence is advocated by health care professionals. OBJECTIVE: This Evidence Based Report Card reviews whether increasing or decreasing the daily intake of water and/or fluids by adults decreases their OAB symptoms. SEARCH STRATEGY: Three reviewers systematically reviewed the literature for studies that evaluated the association or effect of fluid intake on OAB urinary symptoms in adult men and women. A professional librarian performed the literature search, which yielded 260 articles. Following title and abstract reviews, 48 articles were identified for full-text review, and of these, 10 articles met the criteria for inclusion in this review. FINDINGS: Results of studies measuring the effect of fluid intake on the severity of OAB symptoms support that reducing fluid intake is beneficial in reducing OAB symptoms of urge UI, urgency, and frequency. There is evidence that increasing fluid by 25% to 50% could increase daytime frequency; however, studies did not show a significant effect on urgency. Increasing fluid intake is associated with worsening of OAB symptoms in observational studies and shows no difference in symptoms compared to controls in interventional studies. CONCLUSION: WOC nurses should recommend decreased fluid intake for managing OAB symptoms, while ensuring adequate hydration for other health needs (Strength of Recommendations for Treatment statement level 1).

WOCN Society and AUA Position Statement on Preoperative Stoma Site Marking for Patients Undergoing Urostomy Surgery.

Marking the optimal location for a stoma preoperatively enhances the likelihood of a patient's independence in stoma care, predictable pouching system wear times, and resumption of normal activities. Urologists and certified ostomy nurses are the optimal clinicians to select and mark stoma sites, as this skill is a part of their education, practice, and training. However, these providers are not always available, particularly in emergency situations. The purpose of this position statement, developed by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society in collaboration with the American Urological Association and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, is to provide a guideline to assist clinicians (especially those who are not surgeons or WOC nurses) in selecting an effective stoma site.

WOCN Society and ASCRS Position Statement on Preoperative Stoma Site Marking for Patients Undergoing Colostomy or Ileostomy Surgery.

Marking the optimal location for a stoma preoperatively enhances the likelihood of a patient's independence in stoma care, predictable pouching system wear times, and resumption of normal activities. Colon and rectal surgeons and certified ostomy nurses are the optimal clinicians to select and mark stoma sites, as this skill is a part of their education, practice, and training. However, these providers are not always available, particularly in emergency situations. The purpose of this position statement, developed by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society in collaboration with the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the American Urological Association, is to provide a guideline to assist clinicians (especially those who are not surgeons or WOC nurses) in selecting an effective stoma site.

Research study or quality improvement project?

Understanding whether a project is a research study or a QI project is important from both clinical and regulatory perspectives. Both types of activities make useful contributions but have distinct approaches, procedures, and outcomes. Novice researchers or QI participants are encouraged to seek guidance through mentorship with an experienced researcher or a QI project leader.

Critical appraisal of clinical guidelines.

Utilization of clinical guidelines is gaining in popularity due to their significant impact on clinical practice. While a plethora of guidelines exist, many are lacking in quality, based on current critical appraisal standards. It then becomes necessary for the end users of the guidelines to adopt or develop those that are deemed adequate for implementation. This often requires that users possess critical appraisal skills as they become proficient in discerning between guidelines of varying quality. This article provides direction and tools to support the critical appraisal process in the adoption of clinical guidelines.

A prospective, randomized, multisite clinical evaluation of a transparent absorbent acrylic dressing and a hydrocolloid dressing in the management of Stage II and shallow Stage III pressure ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical performance of a transparent absorbent acrylic dressing (3M Tegaderm Absorbent Clear Acrylic Dressing ]TAAD[; 3M Company, St Paul, MN) and a hydrocolloid dressing (HD ]DuoDERM CGF, ConvaTec, ER Squibb & Sons, Princeton, NJ[) in the management of Stage II and shallow Stage III pressure ulcers. DESIGN: Prospective, open-label, randomized, comparative, multisite clinical evaluation. Patients were followed up for a maximum of 56 days or until their ulcer healed. At weekly intervals, investigators conducted wound assessments and dressing performance evaluations. SETTING: Wound care clinics, home care, and long-term care. PATIENTS: Thirty-five patients received the TAAD, and 37 received the HD. OUTCOME MEASURES: Dressing performance assessments, patient comfort, dressing wear time, and wound healing were measured. RESULTS: The majority of investigator assessments favored the TAAD. Considerations given included the ability to center dressings over the ulcer (P = .005), ability to assess the ulcer before (P < .001) and after (P < .001) absorption, barrier properties (P = .039), patient comfort during removal (P < .001), overall patient comfort (P = .048), conformability before (P = .026) and after (P = .001) absorption, ease of removal (P < .001), nonadherence to wound bed (P < .001), residue in the wound (P = .002), residue on periwound skin (P < .001), and odor after absorption (P = .016). Overall satisfaction favored the TAAD (P < .001), and a high value was placed on its transparent feature (P < .001). Mean (SD) wear time for the TAAD was 5.7 (2.55) days compared with 4.7 (2.29) days for the HD (P = .086). This 1-day difference in wear time was clinically noticeable by the investigators (P = .035). Wound closure for the 2 dressing groups was nearly identical (P = .9627). CONCLUSIONS: Performance results favored the TAAD over the HD as standard treatment for Stage II and shallow Stage III pressure ulcers.