This introductory session commences with a story told by a person who lives with a chronic bowel disorder. It includes the challenges of the condition and their experience of the care they have received. As well, it will discuss the type of care that has made a difference to their treatment.
What is the correct framework for performing an abdominal assessment?
What is the role of bowel screening?
Who should be tested and when?
When are other methods of screening required, i.e. sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and DNA testing?
Why does the pathological stage of a tumour matter?
What are the implications of different types of stools and tissue samples?
How do the different types of specimens relate to outcomes?
Why exactly are antimicrobial agents used?
There are a complex range of modern aids and appliances associated with the care of a person with a stoma. With more and more products constantly being released, understanding the correct use of each product is essential. This practical session looks at some of these products and gives you information on their use and application, and how this relates to optimum patient care. You will also discover some useful tips that you can share with your patients.
What factors may make a stoma more difficult to construct and manage?
How is IBD defined and what are its causes?
When is onset of the disease experienced?
What is the course of the disease and its associated complications?
What factors are associated with impaired health-related quality of life?
Local complications of IBD that affect the intestines, e.g. strictures, fistulas etc.
What are the main types of medicines used in the treatment of IBD and why?
What are some of the long term adverse effects of these medicines on the person and potentially nurses?
How do chronic bowel diseases affect appetite, absorption and other aspects of nutrition?
When may oral supplements, enteral or parenteral nutrition be required?
Fear and shame associated with bowel conditions can be devastating to a person. It can affect their quality of life and delay seeking help. As with any serious illness the risk of developing co-morbid depression is very real. As well, the psychological implications for nurses when working with people with chronic bowel disease. A nurse's ability to care for and develop professional rapport with a person affected by lifelong bowel disease relies on understanding the impact of this disease. This session will look at ways that people can be assisted to deal with their condition and nurses to understand and offer appropriate support.
The incidence of people with bowel disease varies in Australia with some, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, being common disorders. They are by nature anxiety-producing and may cause very uncomfortable symptoms. Current evidence suggests that timely management of these conditions and best practice care is imperative if wellness and quality of life is to be preserved. Nurses frequently connect with patients with disorders of the bowel and have a key role in their support and desired outcomes.
This conference provides evidenced knowledge to promote best practice nursing care of people with bowel conditions.