Case management: a new practice model for ET nurses

An examination of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing practice provides ideas for improving patient care and for role development of the ET nurse. During this period of rapid health care reform, opportunities to expand ET nursing practice must be explored. For many ET nurses, care of the patient with an ostomy remains a primary focus. The fitting of prosthetic equipment and patient education concerning ostomy care may not, however, be enough to demonstrate the impact of ET nursing care on the outcome of patients with an ostomy. Caring for the patient undergoing gastrointestinal surgery by means of a case management model is a new option for ET nurses. Nurse case managers focus on the patient and the impact of illness from admission until discharge. They are accountable for coordinating the multidisciplinary team who cares for the patient and for the evaluation of outcomes. ET nurses must evaluate the outcomes of their care to demonstrate the continued need for our specialty practice. This article describes the efforts of ET nurses at a tertiary care center in the Midwest to develop a case management system for patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery within their practice. The process of developing a critical pathway, or care map, is also described.