Introduction

The Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0 is a validated tool for evaluating the condition of a person’s peristomal skin. Learn how it can help you determine the presence and severity of peristomal skin complications (PSCs) – even when there are no visible signs of skin discolouration. 

A structured approach can prevent leakage and PSCs

Research shows there is a correlation between leakage and PSCs. The key to avoiding leakage is to choose the stoma product solution that gives a secure fit between the stoma and the skin.²  

 If the peristomal skin is broken, the pouching system may not work properly, because the inflammation of the skin can make it harder to get a secure fit. That increases the risk of leakage, which can worsen the peristomal skin’s condition. In this way, PSCs can be the start of a vicious cycle. 

That’s why keeping the peristomal skin healthy is so important. And this is where the new version of the Ostomy Skin Tool can help monitoring the skin condition and inform whether the skin is healthy, improving or deteriorating so actions should be initiated.    

Work with your patients to detect PSCs

The Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0 is designed to help you and your patient keep track of their peristomal skin condition over time.   

You can use it to identify and assess the severity of PSCs, even when there’s no skin discolouration in the peristomal area.  

OST 2.0 has two parts – a patient-reported outcome questionnaire and a decision tree. Your patient can use the questionnaire to record non-visible symptoms, such as pain, itching and burning that they may have experienced over time. The decision tree helps you establish and assess the severity of your patient’s PSC symptoms. 

Get insight into people living with PSC and the HCPs treating them

This film explores PSCs from the perspective of people living with them and the HCPs who treat them. Dr Emily McGrath and stoma care nurse, Gillian Down, discuss what a stoma care nurse can do to manage and prevent PSCs

OST 1.0: The scientific foundation for peristomal skin assessments

The original Ostomy Skin Tool was developed in 2008. It’s a validated, standardised tool⁴ for assessing changes in the peristomal skin and is a reference in many scientific journals. You can access the original tools here.