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Data from a recent clinical trial aimed to address a common concern for patients with ostomies; managing leakage of stomal effluent. This United Kingdom-based study took a closer look at a digital leakage notification system for those with an ostomy.¹ Ninety-two patients who received their ostomies no more than 9 months prior used the system for 12 weeks. The cohort answered questionnaires at predetermined intervals over that time period, including at baseline. The questionnaires included data on instances of leakage, patient self-management, mental well-being, health-related quality of life, and an Ostomy Leak Impact tool (3 domains).¹ Of note, the patients ranged in age from 18 to 81 years, with a mean age of just under 50 years. There were slightly more females (53%) than males in the cohort, and 80% of these patients had an ileostomy.¹

The data revealed a significant decrease in mean instances of ostomy leakage outside of the baseplate after using the notification system for 12 weeks.¹ The study population also showed improvement in all domains of the Ostomy Leak Impact scores, which the authors share translates to more social engagement, increased control of the ostomy status, and less embarrassment experienced. Overall well-being, quality of life, and patient self-management also improved. These findings led the authors to assert that this digital leakage notification system contributed to improvements the studied areas.¹

Reference

1. Brady RRW, Sheard D, Alty M, et al. Evaluating the Effect of a Novel Digital Ostomy Device on Leakage Incidents, Quality of Life, Mental Well-Being, and Patient Self-Care: An Interventional, Multicentre Clinical Trial. J Clin Med. 2024;13(19):5673. doi: 10.3390/jcm13195673. PMID: 39407731. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05135754.