(BONUS) Ostomy Observations Series S4E3: What About the Itch?

from WOCTalk · host WOCN Society

ResourcesClick here to view and use the Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide for Clinicians and Consumers. You can also bookmark and/or share the following web address with your colleagues and patients: psag.wocn.org.Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (JWOCN®) articles referenced in this episode:A Randomized Controlled Trial Determining Variances in Ostomy Skin Conditions and the Economic Impact (ADVOCATE Trial)Lessons Learned About Peristomal Skin Complications Secondary Analysis of the ADVOCATE TrialThe Incidence of Stoma and Peristomal Complications During the First 3 Months After Ostomy CreationPeristomal Skin Itch: An Integrative Review Other articles referenced in this episode:Peristomal DermatologyAssessment of itch: more to be learned and improvements to be madePsychometric validation of the Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0 About the SpeakerJoyce Pittman, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, CWOCN, WOCNF, FAANDr. Pittman is an Associate Professor at University of South Alabama and nurse scientist at USA Health focusing on pressure injuries, health/racial disparities, and ostomy complications. She is a certified Wound, Ostomy, Continence nurse, Adult/Family Nurse Practitioner, WOCN Fellow, past National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) Vice President, and the 2025-2026 Treasurer of the WOCN® Society.Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

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What this episode covers

In this special episode of WOCTalk, we address the often-overlooked issue of peristomal itch, or pruritus, with Joyce Pittman, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, CWOCN, WOCNF, FAAN. Joyce shares her expertise on the causes, assessment, and management of this common yet sometimes underreported concern, offering insights into literature on this topic and practical strategies to improve comfort, skin health, and quality of life for individuals living with an ostomy. This podcast is part of the Ostomy Observations Series, a 6-part series included in the “Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow” Program. Both the Ostomy Observations podcast series and the Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow Program are commercially supported through an educational grant from Hollister Incorporated. For more information, visit wocn.org/exceptionaloutcomes. The WOCN® Society does not endorse or support products or services.