Please hold the line: setting up a telecare service for stoma patients using Skype

Telehealth is an efficient and cost-effective way to follow up patients discharged after the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway. Colorectal and stoma care clinical nurse specialist (CNS) teams explored giving patients the option to have their follow-up appointment via the online videotelephony application Skype, instead of by telephone. A literature review returned no applicable results. A pilot study of patients going through colorectal preoperative assessment showed that there was interest in the idea, but that not all patients were able to access Skype. Seven participants returned questionnaires reporting unanimous satisfaction with the service. To improve patient access, tablets were procured and given to those stoma patients undergoing planned surgery who did not have their own device. Video calls allow for visual assessment of the patient, as well as personalised face-to-face interaction. The CNS teams aim to roll this service out further by increasing access for patients.