Traditional versus telenursing outpatient management of patients with cancer with new ostomies.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the impact of telenursing on patients discharged with ostomies resulting from cancer treatment.


METHODS
Quasi-experimental design with surveys.


METHODS
Large tertiary care center in the southwestern United States.


METHODS
28 patients with cancer in two groups: traditional home health and home health plus telenursing.


METHODS
Recorded the number of home health and telenursing contacts, dates when ostomy self-care needs were met, supplies used, and distance traveled. Patients completed a satisfaction survey and Maklebusts Ostomy Adjustment Scale.


METHODS
Type of care, costs, patient satisfaction, ostomy adjustment, and time to achieve ostomy self-care.


RESULTS
Telenursing patients indicated higher satisfaction. The home health group averaged one more home health visit per patient (telenursing mean= three visits). Overall costs for both types of visits were about equal. The home health group used an average of four more pouches per patient, with increased cost of 52 dollars per patient. Telenursing patients believed that nurses had increased understanding of their problems, and they were more comfortable with what nurses told them about ostomy. Telenursing participants believed that telenursing made care more accessible; they preferred telemedicine rather than waiting for face-to-face visits but still believed that face-to-face visits were best.


CONCLUSIONS
Combining traditional home health and telenursing is feasible for supporting discharged patients with new ostomies and enhances traditional home health, resulting in increased satisfaction overall.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses should develop telenursing programs that include patient and family education regarding oncology issues.
Bohnenkamp
Susan Kay
SK
University Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, USA. sbohnenkamp@umcaz.edu
McDonald
Pat
P
Lopez
Ana Maria
AM
Krupinski
Elizabeth
E
Blackett
Ann
A
D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D003625:Data Collection; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery; D009739:Nursing Services / Q000191:economics; D010030:Ostomy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012648:Self Care; D013689:Telephone