Fecal ostomies: practical management for the home health clinician.

Ostomy creation is a common surgical procedure that affects more than 120,000 individuals annually in the United States. Ostomy patients require lifelong specialized support and care directed toward improving their health status, promoting self-care, and facilitating long-term adjustment. Home health clinicians are responsible for the assessment and management of the complex needs of the ostomy patient and must be able to identify and appropriately intervene when complications arise. This article will provide the home health clinician with an overview of fecal ostomy care and management, and review the role of the clinician in the management of the patient.