Development of a nurse-led ileo-anal pouch clinic.
The ileo-anal pouch procedure is now seen as the operation of choice for individuals suffering with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis (Fazio, 1999); however, patient follow-up after this surgery remains variable. This article highlights the effectiveness of running a nurse-led follow-up service. A patient satisfaction survey has shown that having a familiar face at each follow-up visit is hugely beneficial, providing continuity and reassurance for patients and their relatives. This nurse-led clinic provides adequate time for patients to discuss a variety of issues including management of sore perianal skin and pouch dysfunction. The growth and development in clinical skills, knowledge and nursing autonomy has seen the emergence of many nurse-led clinics, where nurses are utilizing their advanced skills. Within the nurse-led ileo-anal pouch clinic in Oxford, physical and/or internal examination, and investigations, such as rigid or flexible pouchoscopy, are performed. Such procedures were positively evaluated by patients.
Perrin
Angie
A
Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust.
D039021:Colonic Pouches; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016737:Proctocolectomy, Restorative / Q000451:nursing*; D016730:Program Development; D011788:Quality of Life; D013222:State Medicine; D016896:Treatment Outcome