By Dr. Yosef Nasseri, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Colorectal Surgeon and Advisor to Corstrata
The journey for patients undergoing ostomy surgery is complex and fraught with challenges that extend beyond the operating room. As a colorectal surgeon and an advisor to Corstrata, I have seen the landscape of ostomy care evolve, driven by the need to address several critical issues: the scarcity of specialized care, the significant learning curve for patients managing new ostomies, and systemic inefficiencies that impact patient outcomes and healthcare costs.
Through my involvement with the American College of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) organization, I have learned from fellow surgeons nationwide how pervasive the problem is regarding access to adequate post-surgical care for new ostomates. In this article, I delve into the multifaceted approach Corstrata has adopted to revolutionize ostomy care, enhancing patient outcomes and alleviating systemic challenges in healthcare delivery.
The Challenge of Limited Specialist Access and Its Impact on Hospital Stay
Hospitals often struggle to manage the length of stay for ostomy patients due to the limited access to ostomy care specialists. This scarcity can delay essential post-operative education and support, inadvertently extending hospitalizations. Corstrata's telehealth platform addresses this gap head-on by providing on-demand access to certified ostomy care nurses (COCNs), thereby facilitating timely, expert care. This helps reduce the hospital length of stay and optimizes patient recovery and hospital resource allocation.
Bridging the Expertise Gap in Home Health Care
Post-discharge patients frequently rely on home health agencies for care, which may need more specialized knowledge in ostomy management. This gap can lead to inadequate care and a heightened risk of complications. Corstrata's virtual wound and ostomy management services effectively bridge this gap, ensuring that patients have direct access to specialized ostomy care. This, in turn, enhances the quality of post-discharge support and significantly reduces the potential for readmission.
Addressing the Critical Shortage of Ostomy Clinics
The increasing need for more outpatient ostomy clinics is underscored by the lack of the number of ostomy clinics as described by the United Ostomy Associations of America in their support of “increasing outpatient ostomy services and ostomy clinics to fill the gap in care available to people living with ostomies.” This gap in care availability poses a substantial barrier to receiving specialized support and education, which is crucial for the well-being and recovery of individuals living with ostomies. In response to this growing challenge, Corstrata has introduced a virtual care platform, offering a viable solution to the critical shortage of physical clinics. Through its innovative approach, Corstrata provides comprehensive, high-quality ostomy care services virtually, ensuring that patients, irrespective of their geographical location or the local availability of specialized resources, have access to the necessary care and support. This digital platform not only addresses the immediate need for expert ostomy care but also represents a forward-thinking adaptation to the evolving healthcare landscape, meeting the demand for specialized care in the face of ostomy clinic closures.
Combating High Rehospitalization Rates
The first 120 days post-surgery are critical for ostomy patients, with current rehospitalization rates being alarmingly high due to complications that often can be prevented with proper care and intervention. Corstrata's model emphasizes early detection and management of potential issues through its virtual wound and ostomy management platform, significantly reducing these rates, improving patient outcomes, and lessening the financial burden on the healthcare system.
The Power of Technology and Personalization
Corstrata leverages cutting-edge technology to facilitate proactive patient monitoring for early interventions, offering a level of care previously unimaginable. Integrating remote communication and monitoring platforms allows for improved patient engagement and outcomes, promoting patient empowerment throughout their recovery journey. Moreover, Corstrata's dedication to personalized care ensures that each patient receives a care plan tailored to their unique needs, developed by COCNs. This individualized approach underscores the importance of adapting care to meet specific patient conditions and preferences, leading to better health outcomes and enhanced patient satisfaction.
Educational Resources and Collaborative Care
Understanding the importance of education and support, Corstrata provides an extensive array of educational resources and access to peer support groups that focus on quality-of-life issues for persons living with an ostomy. This commitment to patient education empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their ostomy effectively, addressing the physical, psychological, and lifestyle aspects of recovery. Additionally, Corstrata's collaboration with healthcare providers ensures a seamless continuum of care, fostering communication and coordination among care teams and supporting the patient's journey from hospital to home.
Conclusion
The challenges facing ostomy care are significant, yet Corstrata's comprehensive approach presents a promising solution. By addressing the critical gaps in care through technology, personalized plans, and educational support, Corstrata is setting new standards in the quality and accessibility of ostomy care. As we continue to innovate and expand our services, we remain committed to enhancing the lives of ostomy patients and transforming the healthcare landscape. Through Corstrata, patients are not just surviving; they are thriving, equipped with the support and resources needed for a successful recovery and a return to normalcy.
Corstrata Ostomy Case Study
Use this link to access an Ostomy Case Study illustrating the clinical and financial value of Corstrata's virtual ostomy solution.
About Corstrata
Corstrata is a virtual care solution that utilizes technology to provide access to scarce certified wound, ostomy, and continence nurses (WOCNs) at the patient's bedside in post-acute provider settings, including home health, hospice, skilled nursing facilities, and emerging hospital-at-home providers across all 50 states. Corstrata's team of WOC nurses provides consultations with provider staff at the patient's bedside, either through HIPAA-compliant video or through review of store-and-forward wound images, to improve clinical and financial outcomes for providers. To learn more about how Corstrata can help your organization better support your staff, visit www.corstrata.com.