Article #2
Would an educational learning
package be beneficial for registered
nurses to improve care for patients
with colostomies and ileostomies?
Would an educational
learning package
be beneficial for
registered nurses
to improve care
for patients with
colostomies and
ileostomies?
Abstract
In the United Kingdom, around 1 in 500 individuals are currently
living with a stoma (Colostomy UK, 2019). A stoma is defined
by the National Health Service (NHS, 2017) is a surgically made
opening in the abdomen that aims to redirect faeces from the
digestive system, outside of the body into a pouch. A colostomy
brings a section of the colon through the artificially made hole
whereas an ileostomy brings the small intestine through a similar
hole that in a different location on the abdomen. There are many
reasons for a stoma to be formed with cancer, Crohn’s disease
and an obstruction being amongst a few (SecuriCare, 2008).
Following colostomy or ileostomy surgery, patients often struggle
adapting to their new lifestyle and often feel unsupported by
healthcare professionals. There can also be many daily physical
challenges that come with ostomy formation including altered
body image which can affect relationships, a change in diet
and bowel habits. It is suggested in research by Anaraki, Vafaie,
Behboo, Maghsoodi, Esmaeilpour and Safaee (2012) that
patients post bowel surgery are more likely to develop psychiatric
problems compared to the general population. In light of this,
patients may require additional support not only with mental
wellbeing but physical needs too to ensure that patients adapt
well during recovery. There is also the need for nurses to improve
their confidence and competence after experience in the local
NHS trust as well as further research to improve patients care in
the future.
Author: Laurie
Batchelor
Keywords: Stoma,
mental-wellbeing,
adjustment and
education.
Keywords: Stoma, mental-wellbeing, adjustment and education.
Objectives
The objectives were to first of all examine why nurses felt they
lacked confidence and competency when it came to stoma
management in the hospital setting. This is because nurses play
an essential role in patient care. As well as considering nurses
perspectives, patient’s opinions should also be considered,
exploring if a knowledgeable and confident nurse is important
during their care.
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