ASCN UK Projects - EXPASS
EXPASS (Exercise and Physical Activity after Stoma Surgery) recommendations
Aim
We are dedicated to developing formal recommendations for exercise and physical activity following stoma surgery.
Background
Presently, there are no formal published guidelines regarding exercise and physical activity after stoma surgery. This absence of consensus among healthcare professionals leads to confusion and lack of support for patients. Our aim is to address this gap.
Method
Under the auspices of ASCN UK, an expert panel is diligently reviewing existing literature, exploring clinical practices, and crafting formal Delphi consensus recommendations. These recommendations will cater to healthcare professionals and individuals undergoing surgery alike.
Conclusion
By the end of 2024, ASCN UK will publish a comprehensive document encompassing peer-reviewed Delphi recommendations. These recommendations will cover various stages of stoma surgery recovery, providing clarity, consensus, and practical advice based on available evidence and clinical expertise.
EXPASS Best Practice Recommendations
ASCN UK is proud to present the EXPASS Best Practice Recommendations – Exercise and Physical Activity after Stoma Surgery. These recommendations aim to provide guidance about exercise and rehabilitation for all health, exercise and medical professionals caring for and supporting individuals having stoma surgery. People living with a stoma or undergoing surgery themselves are also welcome to download and read them.
A huge thank you to the EXPASS Expert Panel for their time and hard work in producing these recommendations.
The links above will take you to individual documents and videos. Click below to visit the full EXPASS Best Practice Recommendations page, where you’ll find complete information including the aims, intended audience, acknowledgements, citations and more.
Progress To Date
- Keynote speech at the ASCN UK National conference in 2022 initiated conversations on the need for recommendations.
- Collaboration with John Gregory, the project manager of the NSWOCC recommendations.
- Formation of an expert panel comprising physiotherapists, exercise specialists, patients with lived experience, surgeons, and nurses.
- Secured vital funding from industry partners.
- Ongoing meetings, literature reviews, and scoping.
- Registration of project scope and protocol according to the PRISMA-ScR checklist.
- Initial proposals from the literature search were shared at the WCET/ASCN UK Joint Congress in Glasgow 2024; with the final development and publications of the recommendations to be presented at the 2025 Annual Conference of the ASCN UK.
- Recommendations published October 2025.
Utilisation of Recommendations
Our document targets healthcare professionals, nurses, physiotherapists, surgeons, and allied professionals, as well as fitness instructors, Pilates teachers, and personal trainers. It will be readily accessible on the ASCN UK website with printed copies available. We aim to disseminate the information through online and in-person seminars, with expert group presentations at relevant conferences.
Expected Benefits
- Consistency in advice provided to patients, leaving no room for ambiguity.
- A straightforward step-by-step process for a wide range of professionals to support patients effectively.
- Enhanced confidence among healthcare professionals in providing correct advice.
- Patients will have access to trusted sources of information referenced by their healthcare providers.
Latest Project News
EXPASS Best Practice Recommendations Launched
Date: 22 October 2025
The Association of Stoma Care Nurses UK (ASCN UK) is proud to announce the launch of the EXPASS Best Practice Recommendations – Exercise and Physical Activity after Stoma Surgery.
First unveiled at ASCNUK25 earlier this month, the recommendations are now officially available on the ASCN UK website, accompanied by a quick reference guide and supporting videos: https://ascnuk.org/expass-best-practice-recommendations/.
The EXPASS project represents a major milestone for authors Sarah Russell (Exercise Specialist) and Kerry Archer (Physiotherapist), who have dedicated more than three years to its development under the guidance of ASCN UK, supported by an expert panel.
Speaking about the launch, Sarah Russell said:
“ASCNUK25 saw the formal publication and presentation of the EXPASS Best Practice Recommendations for exercise and physical activity after stoma surgery. This is a huge milestone for Kerry and me, who have authored and been working on this project for over three years under the guidance of ASCN UK, and a significant achievement for ASCN UK and the expert panel supporting us. The EXPASS recommendations are a global first and have already been endorsed by WCET, NSWOCC, ACPN and physiotherapy groups APOCOP and POGP. The recommendations are aimed at all healthcare professionals working with individuals having stoma surgery or living with a stoma, and it is hoped they will provide the education, information and support that is so greatly needed on safe exercise, physical activity and core abdominal rehabilitation. Please share widely with colleagues, team members and within your professional networks to help us get this out to the world. Thank you.”
Aimed at all healthcare professionals working with individuals undergoing stoma surgery or living with a stoma, the EXPASS Best Practice Recommendations provide comprehensive, evidence-based guidance on safe exercise, physical activity and core abdominal rehabilitation.
Support the Project
The ASCN UK is seeking expressions of interest from organisations who would like to support and jointly fund this project. Please complete the form below to register your interest in participating.