Gaining consensus: the challenges of living with a stoma and the impact of stoma leakage.

BACKGROUND

People with a stoma face many unique challenges. Leakage is a significant one but is not sufficiently discussed within the wider area of health and social care.

AIMS

This study aimed to articulate and achieve consensus on the problems experienced by people with a stoma, particularly leakage, in the hope of encouraging conversations among patients, clinicians and policymakers on how to solve them.

METHODS

Output from a modified Delphi panel, consisting of patient groups, was used to create a set of calls to action, with a particular focus on the issue of leakage.

FINDINGS

Leakage has a large impact on daily life and can cause both physical and mental health difficulties. Peer support and specialist care can be offer considerable benefits in dealing with these.

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant unmet needs for equitable access to specialist stoma care and peer support, as well as information provision for non-specialist healthcare providers. The calls to action should be implemented.