Supportive Communication to Facilitate Chinese Patients' Adaptation to a Permanent Colostomy

Abstract

This study, which is a part of action research, aims to explore how supportive communication can impact individuals' adaptation to a permanent colostomy in a Chinese cultural context. Two Chinese rectal cancer patients with complexity and difficulty in living with a permanent colostomy were selected using a qualitative case study approach. The researcher (H.T.) interacted with the participants along their journey from the preoperative period until the third postoperative month after discharge via face-to-face or telephone interviews. Content analysis was applied. Supportive communication was characterized by "communication as a supportive tool," which consisted of 4 elements: respect, description, empathy, and empowerment. The nursing strategies included (1) developing a collaborative relationship with patients and families; (2) understanding patients' concerns and problems; (3) discussing potential solutions; (4) encouraging patients to take action; (5) bringing out emotional expression; (6) normalizing negative emotions; and (7) protecting hope. The findings of this study informed that supportive communication is a valuable tool for nurses to provide informational and emotional support to Chinese patients in order to enhance their adaptation to living with a permanent colostomy. Developing an operational manual to enhance supportive communication for patients with colostomy is suggested.

Effects of Evidence-Based Continuing Care Bundle on Health Outcomes in Rectal Cancer Patients With Temporary Stomas

“…The 3 components of CCB contributed to the present positive outcomes. The positive effects of a stoma care manual on supportive communication and education with patients with stomas have been previously studied 5,43 . Use of a well-designed stoma self-management manual could provide accurate information for these patients, improving the patients’ self-care skills and ability of preventing and detecting stoma-related complications timely.…”

“…The positive effects of a stoma care manual on supportive communication and education with patients with stomas have been previously studied. 5,43 Use of a well-designed stoma self-management manual could provide accurate information for these patients, improving the patients' self-care skills and ability of preventing and detecting stoma-related complications timely. Previous RCT studies indicate that telephone follow-up is an effective intervention to improve SE 15 and QOL 44 and reduce the incidence of stoma-related complications 15 in patients with stomas after discharge.…”

“…It frequently occurs to divert the intestinal contents away from distal anastomosis, alleviating the consequences of anastomotic leakage during sphincter-saving surgery after proctectomy in patients with rectal cancer. [3][4][5] According to a previous study, the patients with temporary stomas should live with stomas for about 152.2 days. 6 With the development of surgical instruments and techniques, more and more patients with rectal cancer can undergo anterior resection with temporary stomas to preserve the anus.…”

“…Temporary stoma is also known as protective defunctioning stoma, which can be reversed later. It frequently occurs to divert the intestinal contents away from distal anastomosis, alleviating the consequences of anastomotic leakage during sphincter-saving surgery after proctectomy in patients with rectal cancer 3–5 . According to a previous study, the patients with temporary stomas should live with stomas for about 152.2 days 6 .…”