Professional Care of the Person with a Stoma (internet-based open learning)

Professional care of the person with a stoma provides practitioners with contemporary, practice focused learning materials, with interactive activities. This is learning material you can really engage with. An interactive example of the learning material is available at the end of this page. 

This module is for qualified health care professionals whose everyday work includes caring for patients with stomas. It is designed to enhance professionals understanding of the psychological, physical and social needs of patients and their relatives, and how health care professionals can best help to meet these needs. It will introduce new developments, update and refresh skills and knowledge, and also provide opportunities of reviewing different methods and equipment.

This module is not intended to prepare the practitioner to function as a stoma care specialist, but can be a springboard towards that aim.

How will I study?

The learning materials used throughout this e-learning module are student centred and problem based. This module challenges students to explore current practice, and then use new knowledge and skills to enhance future practice in their clinical area. Illustrated case studies and interactive exercises are spread throughout the module enabling practitioners to explore real problems both physical and psychological, which can occur when caring for people with stomas.

Professional development is another key feature of this module. Students are strongly encouraged to spend time with a Stoma Care Practitioner – a valuable opportunity to better understand the varied role of the Stoma Practitioner, and how professionals can contribute to the holistic care of people with stomas. While the responsibility for organising these visits lies with the student, and is dependent on the availability of Stoma Care Practitioners, students are encouraged to make early contact with the Stoma Care Practitioner in their area to discuss individual learning needs.

Tutorial support: Tutorial support as needed using a variety of multi-media methods (including email) will be available during normal university hours, facilitated by the module leader, or a nominated lecturer with appropriate expertise. Telephone support will also be available if required by the student, or considered appropriate by the module leader. Emails relating to tutorial issues will normally be responded to within 72 hours (3 working days) of receipt.

User involvement: User involvement is treaded through this module via frequent use of patient scenarios, often illustrated by photographs, and patients’ own experiences of having a stoma.

What topics will I study?

A reflective holistic approach to care, health promotion, and research/evidence-based practice is threaded through this module. The focus of this module is caring for the person with a stoma, and where appropriate will include issues specific to children and adolescents.

  • History of stoma care
  • Anatomy and physiology of digestive and urinary systems as applicable to people with stomas
  • Medical conditions of digestive and urinary systems requiring stoma formation.
  • Types of surgery involving stoma formation
  • Pre-operative nursing care of the patient undergoing formation of stoma, including psychological support
  • Selecting the site for a stoma
  • Post-operative nursing care of the patient who has undergone stoma formation
  • Continued care of the stoma patient/client in the community
  • Common problems experienced by stoma patients and strategies to overcome them
  • Body image and sexuality issues
  • Tissue viability issues including wound care and the management of fistulae
  • Support groups and users' experiences
  • Recent research and initiatives

How will I be assessed?

The assessment of this module is in two parts.

  • Part one focuses on two of the activities suggested in the module material to demonstrate your professional learning and development – one activity must have a practical focus, but there is no assessment of practice.
    Length: 2000 words
  • Part two asks you to identify an aspect of stoma care where care could be enhanced in your area of practice (e.g. the psychological support of patients with stomas). Then, using an essay format explore why this aspect of stoma care should be enhanced, supported by an action plan of how this could be achieved in your area of practice.
    Length: 2000-2,500 words

Your submission would then be emailed to the module leader.

 

Click here to launch a 'taster session' showing an example of the learning material|

Fact File

Typical Entry Requirements:

  • A professional qualification
  • Access to practice involving this patient/client group

Location:

  • No attendance is required
  • This is an e-learning module. Once enrolled on the module the learning material is accessed via the University intranet.
  • Access to a computer with internet access is needed
  • Tutorial time is available throughout the module, usually via email but by phone or in person if appropriate

Duration:

Study is over a 15 week period, in the region of 200 self-directed hours. Opportunities to study this module are offered in September and January, normally.

Special Features:

Provides students with 20 credits towards at honours level (degree level), or 20 credits at intermediate level (diploma level), depending on the level of study selected when enrolling on the module.

Application Information:

How to Apply for CPD Study|
Further Information:

 

Exclusions

Practitioners who have already studied this module at honours level are excluded from studying the same module at intermediate level. Practitioners who have studied this module at intermediate level are excluded from studying this module at honours level.

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