ScholarWorks > HHS > OT > OJOT > Vol. 14 > Iss. 4 (2026)
Credentials Display
Carolina Orozco, OTD, OTR/L; John V. Rider, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, BCPR, MSCS, ATP; Pamela Morales, MS, OTR/L
Abstract
Background: Ostomy surgery, which diverts stool or urine through an abdominal stoma, significantly impacts individuals’ physical and psychosocial functioning. Skilled education and training are required to promote independence in ostomy self-care. Occupational therapists are uniquely equipped to address these needs through holistic, person-centered approaches.
Method: This retrospective descriptive case series examines the integration of occupational therapy services, including ostomy-specific evaluation and intervention, for three patients in an acute care hospital.
Results: Three cases, varying in age, diagnosis, and functional status, demonstrate individualized occupational therapy interventions targeting activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and health management, emphasizing ostomy self-management while supporting psychosocial adjustment. Outcome measures showed improvements in self-care performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion: Findings provide preliminary evidence for occupational therapy’s distinct role in ostomy care and highlight the value of a biopsychosocial, occupation-based approach. This work supports the broader inclusion of occupational therapy in interprofessional ostomy care teams and the need for further research to establish best practices and examine long-term outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Orozco, C., Rider, J. V., & Morales, P. (2026). Occupational Therapy for Ostomy Patients in Acute Care: A Case Series. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 14(4), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2510
Comments
The authors declare that they have no competing financial, professional, or personal interest that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript.