In this special episode of WOCTalk, Debra Netsch discusses the importance of anticipatory guidance in ostomy care—a proactive approach that prepares patients before, during, and after surgery. Learn how WOC nurses can empower patients through each stage of their ostomy journey—from preoperative education and early post-op confidence-building to long-term adaptation and self-care—ensuring care that’s preventive, patient-centered, and outcomes-driven. 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.
Resources:
American College of Surgeons Ostomy Home Skills Program
Corstrata Virtual Ostomy Support Services
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America
JWOCN® articles:
Outcome Criteria for Discharging the Patient With a New Ostomy From Home Health Care
Survey Results on Use of a Convex Pouching System in the Postoperative Period
Preoperative Stoma Site Marking Decreases Stoma and Peristomal Complications
Characteristics of Convex Skin Barriers and Clinical Application
Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights (PBOR)
Ostomy Care Associate (OCA®) Program
Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide
United Ostomy Associations of America
Watch the symposia session from WOCNext® 2025, (S03) Anticipatory Guidance: Elevating Future Ostomy Care
About the Speaker:
Debra Netsch, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNP, CWOCN-AP, CFCN, has been a WOC nurse for 40 years and a Family Nurse Practitioner for 29 years. In practicing part time of both, she has realized the need for anticipatory guidance models from primary care needing to be extended into the WOC Nurse practice. As a Co-Director and faculty of WEB WOC, it is natural that educating WOC Nurses on this topic evolves to teaching anticipatory guidance.
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.