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
Please note: updated edits to the recommendations will be published soon, along with further matrix reference guides. We recommend waiting to print the full recommendations document until this update is available. One key amendment relates to alignment of the core exercise recommendations on page 22: The correct recommendation is that individuals can commence level 1 core exercises and breathing practice from 24 hours post-surgery where possible, and not 3-4 days as stated.
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.
Endorsements
The recommendations have been endorsed by the following professional bodies:
- Association of Chartered Physiotherapist in Oncology and Palliative Care (ACPOPC)
- Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POPG)
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP)
- World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET)
- Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC)
- Association of Coloproctology Nurses of Great Britain & Ireland (ACPN)
Latest Project News
ASCN UK Attends BJN 2026 Conference & Awards
Date: 23 March 2026
Sue and Maddie had the pleasure of attending the BJN 2026 Conference at BMA, London, where we were able to exhibit on behalf of ASCN UK as well as display a poster displaying the EXPASS Recommendations. There were several interesting presentations through the day including an RCN update from the President, in which we were informed about the continual pressure being applied to Government regarding nurses’ pay. There has been a package of reforms agreed by the Government particularly in regard to Band 5 nurse preceptorship. See RCN website for further information: https://www.rcn.org.uk/
Other presentations included cancer incidence in UK prisons and the challenges nurses and patients face. A national review of Advanced Practice has yet to be finalised; however, Phase 1 of the project is complete with the principles for Advanced Practice being published in June 2025. Phase 2 is underway to include the development of a multi phase regulatory framework, with a reduction in variability and inconsistency across roles, education and titles yet to come. Stay alert for further information as this will help to reform and shape our future practice.
A panel discussion centred on how the revision of NMC standards can be implemented across nurse education pathways with 4 representatives from those pathways sharing their views on implementation. Other talks included a look at a hypothetical virtual AI GP surgery to deliver a simulated virtual experience for students and a look at domestic violence amongst our cohort of nurses. The conference concluded with a talk from Dr Terri Porrett sharing her insights through photography, into the impact the Fab Stuff can have for nurses. Please visit the Fab Stuff website for further information: https://fabnhsstuff.net/
There will be a BJN Stoma Care Study Day held in London on June 12th, register here: https://bjnstudydays.co.uk/live/en/page/register
The evening awards culminated in the announcement of the winners of 17 awards, with Stoma Care Nurse of the Year being one of them. Many congratulations go to Anna Brewer (Cambridge) for taking the title this year.
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.