Overview
This 3-way crossover study aims to evaluate whether colostomy bags with an active chamber filter system reduce the incidence of filter-related complications, such as ballooning and pancaking, help neutralise odour, and minimise faecal leakage through the filter compared to colostomy bags with a protective filter
Description
The study will recruit participants living with a colostomy who experience complications related to colostomy bag filters. The study follows a repeated-measures design, in which each participant will test three types of colostomy bags (A, B, and C) over a 21-day period, divided into three 7-day test periods. During each test period, participants will use one type of colostomy bag for 7-days or up to 21 closed bags. Participants will be instructed to change the colostomy bag as often as they normally would or whenever they deem it necessary
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adult aged over 18 years
- Colostomy for 6 months or longer
- Experiences any filter-related complications, such as ballooning, pancaking, odour, or faecal leakage through the filter, at least once a week (7 days)
- Independent in colostomy care
- Using a flat, closed colostomy bag
- Stoma size (diameter) less than 55 mm
- Using a colostomy bag with a hydrocolloid wafer (baseplate)
- Able to read and complete the study questionnaire in English
Exclusion Criteria:
- Uses colostomy irrigation
- Bleeding or broken peristomal skin
- Receiving or had radiotherapy or chemotherapy in the last 2 months
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Taking part in another clinical study
- Currently receiving treatment under the care of a stoma clinical nurse specialist