What is enterostomal therapist?

Enterostomal therapy is a specialized nursing practice that focuses on the care of patients with intestinal and urinary diversions, such as colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies. An enterostomal therapist is a healthcare professional who has received specialized training in this field.

They work with patients to manage their stoma, which is the surgical opening that creates a pathway for waste and urine to leave the body. Enterostomal therapists educate patients on how to care for their stoma and use ostomy appliances, and they also provide emotional support for patients who may be struggling with the adjustment to life with a stoma.

Enterostomal therapists work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home healthcare settings. They work closely with physicians, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team to provide the best possible care for their patients. They must be knowledgeable about a wide range of medical conditions and treatments, as well as the social and emotional issues that patients with ostomies may face.