Stoma care crisis: the urgent need for nationwide pathways and patient-centric policies

Many people living with a stoma face challenges beyond their physical needs. Although stoma care products and services have advanced, significant gaps persist in national policies and equitable access. Current policies appear to prioritise cost savings over the wellbeing of people living with a stoma, not appreciating the expertise of specialist stoma care nurses (SSCNs) and the experience of people living with a stoma. The absence of an established, evidence-based treatment pathway in stoma care and the lack of standardised practices leave many people susceptible to inconsistent care and unmet needs. The authors call for a shift in focus to empower SSCNs to advocate nationally for people living with a stoma and to challenge inconsistent, inequitable practices. The authors highlight an urgent need to establish and implement a nationwide, long-term, evidence-based treatment pathway that provides a standardised approach with ongoing monitoring to deliver optimum, personalised care for people living with a stoma.