Stomized patients’ perception of the stomatherapy service: a descriptive study

Abstract

Aim: To understand the importance of the stomatherapy service through the perception of stomized patients. Method: a descriptive, exploratory study using a qualitative approach, performed in 2011 in the stomatherapy department of a hospital in southern Brazil. Twelve patients with a stoma participated in the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Results: The service provided is perceived as a place for patients to learn about living with a stoma, to teach them self-care procedures, to have contact with other people with a stoma and to establish relationships of mutual support and exchange experiences. Discussion: The service provides patients with knowledge about the disease and why an ostomy was required, the care measures needed and how to achieve a better quality of life through self-care. Conclusion: The stomatherapy service promotes health, and is part of the social support network for people with ostomies.

Preceptoria em enfermagem em um serviço público de saúde

“…11 Caring for people with ostomy is a challenge for health professionals, as it demands several dimensions of care, considering the changes caused by the surgical procedure, such as the physiology of the gastrointestinal or urinary tract, self-esteem and body image, other changes in your life due to the presence of the stoma. 12 It is due to the occurrence of skin lesions, hernias, infections, stenosis, prolapse, retraction, among other complications, due to inadequate care with the stoma, especially the stoma mucosa and peristomal skin. It is explained that the occurrence of these complications has a multifactorial character, which may involve the stoma, its location, obesity and age of the individual.…”