Strategies to reduce treatment costs of peristomal skin complications.

Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) are common and troublesome and the consequences are substantial both for the patient and from a health-economic viewpoint. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that early detection and treatment of PSCs, combined with the use of a correctly fitted and appropriate pouching system, can reduce treatment costs-in the UK, it is estimated to save £28.1m annually. A model for cost estimation of PSCs and a real-life global data set of people with stomas are used for the calculations. A high priority should be given to ensuring resources are available to provide education, guidance and assistance to people with a stoma. This would support increased awareness of the first signs of PSCs and enable self-management at an early stage.