Stoma Care Awareness Course

Stoma Care Awareness – Online Course

Course overview
This introductory Stoma Care Awareness course provides an overview of stomas, common types of stoma surgery and the principles of ongoing stoma care. Learners explore stoma bags, skin care, dietary considerations and potential complications, including sore skin, parastomal hernias, prolapse and retraction. The course supports healthcare professionals in developing their knowledge of safe, respectful and person-centred support for individuals living with a stoma.

Please note: This is an introductory Level 1 awareness course. It provides theoretical knowledge and does not, on its own, establish practical competence to deliver stoma care independently. Learners must work within their role boundaries, follow local procedures and complete any practical, supervised or role-specific training required by their employer.

What the course covers
• Introduction to stoma care and understanding what a stoma is
• Different types of stomas
• Stoma bags and appliances
• Colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy surgery
• What to expect following a colostomy
• Common stoma problems and complications
• Sore skin around a stoma and its management
• Parastomal hernias, prolapse and retraction
• Additional complications associated with colostomies, ileostomies and urostomies
• Stoma bag care, wearing and changing appliances
• Caring for the skin surrounding a stoma
• Dietary considerations for people with a stoma
• Food blockages and their management
• Supporting individuals with a stoma

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for healthcare professionals involved in supporting people with stomas, including stoma care nurses, colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, wound care specialists, tissue viability nurses, district nurses, community healthcare providers, GPs and practice nurses. It may also benefit relevant healthcare support staff and ostomy product specialists. The course can support induction, refresher training, general awareness and knowledge enhancement where appropriate to the learner’s role.

Practical benefits
• Improve understanding of different stoma types and appliances
• Recognise common stoma-related problems and potential complications
• Understand the importance of skin care around a stoma
• Develop awareness of stoma bag use and changing procedures
• Recognise dietary considerations and potential food blockages
• Understand when concerns may require clinical advice or specialist referral
• Promote dignity, comfort and person-centred support
• Reinforce safe care practices alongside practical training and local procedures

What learners will be able to do
• Explain what a stoma is and identify common types
• Describe the purpose of colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy procedures
• Identify common stoma appliances and their uses
• Recognise potential complications, including skin irritation, hernias, prolapse and retraction
• Understand basic principles of stoma bag and surrounding skin care
• Recognise dietary considerations and possible food blockage concerns
• Understand the importance of monitoring and documenting concerns
• Identify when to seek clinical advice or specialist support
• Support individuals with dignity while working within role boundaries

Assessment and certificate
The course takes approximately one hour to complete and is worth one CPD point. Learners complete an online quiz and receive a CPD-accredited Stoma Care Awareness certificate upon successful completion. Unlimited assessment retakes are available, and the certificate can be downloaded or printed.