Report on 8th ESUN course: The urostomy experience

The scientific programme explored the “Urostomy experience: patient milestones and clinical perspectives”, with expert speakers including Dr. Laura Mertens (NL), Consultant Oncologic Urologist; Stefano Terzoni (IT), PhD Nursing Researcher; Rikki Nygaard Knudsen (DK), Urology Nurse Specialist; Giulia Villa, PhD (IT), Asst. Prof. in Nursing Science. 

Day 1

The course began with an interactive game of ‘Urostomy Bingo’ which set an engaging tone for the programme. This was followed by a focus on the holistic care of patients undergoing urostomy surgery, encompassing the entire peri-operative journey, starting with crucial prehabilitation. This phase involves stoma siting, stoma care, product introduction, nutritional optimalisation, physical conditioning, and psychological preparation by specialist nurses.

The emotional impact of the altered body image requires continuous psychological support to help patients and their families adjust and integrate the stoma into their daily routine, and maintain self-esteem and sexual wellbeing. Robust discharge planning ensures that patients achieve essential selfcare skills and have access to adequate supplies of customised appliances, along with appropriate follow up with a stoma nurse and relevant health care professionals.

The anatomy pathophysiology session covered the clinical indications for surgeries and provided a detailed overview for the various types of continent/incontinent urinary diversions, including the Indiana pouch and ileal conduit. This was followed by an interactive discussion on complications and trouble-shooting difficult cases, including a complex personal case from one of the delegates.

The professional exchange of lively chatter continued over dinner beside the river, with an excellent view of Prague Castle. Inspired by the discussions, the group decided to create a podcast, with each nurse asked to describe the role of a urology nurse in just one-two words.

Day 2

The next morning, our enthusiastic delegates arrived promptly for another day focused on urostomy evidence-based practice. The session on individualised care highlighted clinical considerations such as microbiomes of the bladder and bowel, as well as tailored nutritional care, including aspects of weight management and nutritional supplementation. The quality of life implications of surgery were discussed at length, providing essential insights into the long-term psychosocial needs of patients, addressing topics such as sexual activity, body image, and ageing with a urostomy. Managing a urostomy during pregnancy was also discussed, emphasising the need for a multidisciplinary team (MDT), which should include professionals such as nurses, obstetrics, urology, and other relevant healthcare professionals.

Toy ‘potato heads’ were used as educational tools during the workshop, allowing delegates to practise their teaching skills and techniques. Advice was given on the ‘teach-back’ method to ensure students/patients fully understood instructions and procedures. Using the ‘potato heads’ helped delegates to understand the complex needs of some patients and the holistic care required for effective nursing care. 

The interactive workshops provided comprehensive training, enhancing both knowledge and practical skills. A major focus of the workshops was dedicated to stoma care, covering essential principals of appliance selection, effective seal creation, and management of peri-stomal skin complications. Participants explored a wide variety of different appliances, including one/two-piece systems, convex options skin protection products, etc. 

Another practical component was stoma siting, highlighting the importance of considering the patients’ anatomy, lifestyle and dexterity to improve long-term quality of life.  The session also showcased specialised underwear designed to support comfort, discretion and body confidence for patients. The use of this underwear promotes patient independence and supports their return to social activity, and optimal bladder management.

Mission accomplished! A podcast was successfully recorded with the full support of all the delegates. First, the nurses all completed a poll, with each nurse describing the qualities of an EAUN urology nurse in one-two words, these were saved to a word-cloud. Then the recording took place during our coffee break! 

Special thanks to EAUN Chair Corinne and to the EAUN Board for their ongoing support of nurse education and supporting this ESUN course. We would also like to acknowledge the dedication and expertise of the EAUN admin team, especially Hanneke and Olena, who guided us throughout the planning and execution of the course. 

Finally, our sincere thanks to Coloplast International and the ESUN team lead by Rita Kovak for their very generous support - without which this course would not have been possible.

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