Evolution of the Ostomy Adjustment System (OAS) in Norway: A Comprehensive Journey from Conception to Implementation and Beyond
Adapting to life with an ostomy presents a complex array of challenges, encompassing both physical and psychosocial aspects. This project aim to address the nuanced needs of those adjusting to life with an ostomy.
To support individuals through this adjustment, follow-up care with a stoma care nurse (SCN) is typically arranged after surgery. This care is crucial for navigating the multifaceted journey of living with an ostomy. Against this backdrop, we embarked on a quest to enhance the way care is delivered, aiming to address the nuanced needs of those adjusting to life with an ostomy.
Translation and early development
In 2011, a significant milestone was achieved by translating the Ostomy Adjustment Scale into Norwegian. This initial step began with an ambitious project to develop a clinical feedback system tailored to Norwegian patients’ needs.
Subsequent development and testing
Following this translation, the focus shifted to the development of a robust clinical feedback system. This system has undergone rigorous testing, refining its capabilities to meet the practical demands of healthcare settings.
Implementation across Western Norway
The tested and refined system gained momentum and was eventually implemented across all hospitals in Western Norway. This widespread adoption signified a major advancement in patient care for patients with stoma after surgery.
Ongoing research and enhancement
With this system in place, ongoing research has concentrated on enhancing its effectiveness. The primary aim was to improve the feedback mechanism and better understand how patients cope post-surgery.
Health and Quality of Life Before and After Surgical Treatment for Severe Obesity
This study aimed to enhance our understanding of the impact of surgical treatment on morbid obesity on biomedically relevant variables indicating the risk of physical illness and how patients perceive their health and quality of life before and after treatment. We also aimed to investigate predictors of these changes. Our hypothesis posits that improvements will be observed in risk variables and health-related quality of life after surgery.
Following a prospective cohort study design, we intended to include 500 patients and collect data before the operation as well as 1, 5, and 10 years post-surgery.
Approximately one-third of patients undergo a surgical procedure known as the “Duodenal Switch”, in which approximately 60 % of the stomach is removed, and portions of the small intestine are bypassed. At the same time, the remainder will be treated with a method termed the “Gastric Sleeve”, in which around 80 % of the stomach is removed. The data will encompass medical history, clinical examinations, blood tests, and various self-administered questionnaires.
Key information:
Main contributors: Kirsten Lerum Indrebø, John Roger Andersen, Anny Aasprang
Funding: Norwegian Nurses Association Western University of Applied Science, Førde Hospital Trust, Helse Vest RHF (the Western Norway Regional Health Authority).
Project period: 2011-
Cooperative institutions: Western University of Applied Science, Førde Hospital Trust, Fonna Hospital Trust, Haukeland University Hospital
Cristin: Rutinemåling av tilpassing til å leve med stomi saman med eit klinisk tilbakemeldingssystem i poliklinisk oppfylging av stomiopererte; vil det fremje tilpassinga til å leve med stomi? (in Norwegian), Tilpassing, helse og livskvalitet hos personar med stomi (in Norwegian)