Aspects of stoma care in general practice

A survey of stoma care in general practice is reported. It demonstrates a wide diversity in the patterns of care provided to ostomates, with only half of the general practitioners reporting regular follow-up by a member of the health care team. Dealing with appliance difficulties was found to be an aspect of stoma care in which a majority of general practitioners have little confidence. The district nurse and stoma nurse are considered to be the most valuable sources of back-up. It is suggested that structured follow-up of ostomates by the primary care team might influence the level of morbidity among this group of patients.