Classifying and describing peristomal skin complications
In highlighting the prevalence and incidence of peristomal skin complications, the importance of describing the appearance of the skin is justified as the first step in the peristomal skin assessment. To assist in provision of a structured and consistent use of terminology, the acronym of P.L.A.C.E.D is proposed. This ASCN UK initiated tool acts as a prompt to capture ‘what you see’.
An overview of peristomal skin assessment tools are identified to provide scoring of the severity and extent of the peristomal complication. Based on a literature review the five key classifications are identified. However, the presentation emphasises the need for advanced specialist holistic assessment which is essential to consider the cause and ultimate classification of the peristomal skin complication.
Wendy held the post of Educational committee member for the Association of Stoma Care Nurses (ASCN UK) for 8 years where she was instrumental in developing and co-ordinating publication of the ASCN UK National Stoma Care standards and Clinical Guidelines. She continues to support two key projects with ASCN in peristomal skin terminology and parastomal herniation. Having been awarded ASCN UK Stoma Care Nurse of the year and the title of Queens Nurse in 2020 in recognition of her outstanding commitment to high standards of patient care and continually improving practice, Wendy remains passionate in raising the awareness and value of care to patients with a stoma.
