Stoma care: the patient's perspective

Abstract

This was a qualitative study, the design of which was based on ideas from the grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. The study examined the concept of human needs from the perspectives of individuals who have an ileostomy or a colostomy and attempted to ascertain their evaluation of the way in which their needs were fulfilled during the time they spent in hospital. Respondents consisted of a convenience sample of six individuals who had recent experience of surgery involving the formation of a stoma. Data were collected through unstructured, non-directive interviews. Analysis of data involved identification of themes and categories that emerged from the transcripts of the interviews. Findings indicated that while individuals' physical needs were met, their psychological and sociocultural needs were not identified. This seems to imply that nurses may not be aware of the relevance of these needs to individuals who have an ileostomy or a colostomy. Since respondents identified the existence of a good relationship with nurses as being conducive to the fulfillment of these needs, it could be inferred that nurses may lack the skills that are necessary to develop a good relationship with those who are in their care.

Impact of a temporary stoma on patients' everyday lives: feelings of uncertainty while waiting for closure of the stoma

“…This was argued with reference to the stoma being only temporary. Several authors have reported similar findings associated with loss of bodily confidence (Deeny & McCrea , Manderson ), which seem to support the tension that exists between concealment and disclosure (Thorpe et al . ).…”

The assessment of rehabilitation and psycho-sexual problems in patients who suffered from rectal cancer with stomas

“…Our study shows that decreasing sexual drive is the main reason for ceasing sexual relationships both in most women and almost all men (< 0.05). It agrees with studies performed by others [13][14][15]. Apart from that, lower self-esteem and fear (to a lower extent) of a lack of acceptance from the partner play an important role in ceasing sexual life in about half of women (< 0.05).…”

“…Our own research is confirmed by other publications stating that patients with stomas have many psychological problems requiring help from the rehabilitation team for their resolution, especially obtained from a psychologist and/or psychiatrist [14][15][16]. Although psychological rehabilitation may have great importance for patients with a stoma, physical and sexual rehabilitation should not be omitted.…”

Adjusting to bodily change following stoma formation: a phenomenological study

“…At three months, participants could be expected to have recovered physically from the surgery to a sufficient extent to be involved in an in-depth interview and be able to engage with its purpose, which may not have been the case at an earlier time-point [23].…”

“…Concerns relating to bodily appearance include the distress of looking at the stoma for the first time, general stoma appearance and changes in overall bodily appearance [20,23,22,9,15,11]. Kelly [9] explored how awareness of disrupted bodily appearance in these ways can disrupt a person's sense of self.…”