Stoma care nursing management: cost implications in community care.

Successfully rehabilitating the stoma patient in the community means continuing the care provided by the hospital and preparing the patient for this new phase of life. It is well documented that this transition from hospital to home can often be a difficult time for the stoma patient and that home visits and ongoing support from the district nursing team are needed for many patients in the long term. This article aims to help community nurses understand the needs of the stoma patient in their homes and looks at the current situation, including costs, of supplying stoma appliances in the community.