Personalized guidance
In a clinical trial, Van der Storm compared 2 versions of the Stoma App: a full version that offered personalized guidance around surgery including peer contact, and a more limited version with more general information. The study showed that the patients who used the more comprehensive version showed significantly higher quality of life 1 month after surgery. ‘This is especially important because ostomates have to deal with various uncertainties and psychosocial challenges,' Van der Storm explains.
App for support
The Stoma App is the first reliable, independent app for ostomy patients in the Netherlands. The aim of the app is to provide better information and support for people with a stoma. The app was developed to support people who are getting or recently received a stoma, but is also a useful tool for people who have been wearing a stoma for years. In addition to information about different types of stoma, the app also provides tips and tricks on living with a stoma, and shows suitable abdominal exercises and instructional videos. In addition, the app recently also features the ability to connect directly and securely with peers.
Available free of charge for everyone
The Stoma App was developed by the Amsterdam UMC together with ostomy patients, patient associations, 14 participating hospitals and V&VN Stoma Nurses. The content of the app is based on the Dutch guideline Stoma care. The Stoma App is a full-fledged medical tool and available to everyone free of charge.
Source: Stoma Vereniging