The Ostomy Assessment Inventory: a data-gathering process to enhance appropriate pouching system selection.

Due to the dramatic changes occurring in our healthcare delivery system, many levels of care providers across the care continuum are challenged with the task of recommending pouching systems for ostomy patients. Selecting a pouch can often be a costly process and can prolong rehabilitation. Experience and research shows that certain data relating to the patient's performance capabilities, physical and psychological status, and patterns of daily living merged with the individual's personal preferences, are the infrastructure needed to select appropriate pouching systems for patients. A tool was developed to establish a standard data collection format for ostomy assessment; to provide the non-specialized care provider the necessary assessment criteria needed for pouch selection, and to serve as a communication tool.