but has a variety of tools appropriate for different
research methods. Following this process, there were
four articles remaining about post-operative anxiety
and depression as well as six discussing the role of
the nurse in ostomy care. A total of four themes also
became apparent on analysis: such as relationships. Considering these elements
during patients care can encourage a person centred
approach to improve their quality of life (Health
Innovation Network, 2016).
1. Post-operative anxiety and depression. When exploring nurses’ education around stoma
management, Russell (2017) found that several
patients were given incorrect advice by healthcare
professionals due to their limited knowledge or were
unable to answer queries. Additional to this, Thorpe,
McArthur and Richardson (2014) stated that some
ward nurses admitted to avoiding stoma care when
possible despite being the first line of contact for
patients when issues arise. However, McGeever
(2013) highlighted that with regular training and
educational interventions, nurses can improve their
knowledge to provide better post-operative support
for patients.
2. Supporting patients, relative and peers.
3. Nurses education around ostomy care.
4. The importance of pre and post-operative care.
Post-operative anxiety and depression
Many patients shortly after undergoing ostomy
surgery tend to become anxious or depressed
(Anaraki et al., 2012). This was reflected in a study
by Grant, McMullen, Altschuler, Mohler, Hornbrook,
Herrinton, Wendel, Baldwin and Krouse (2011) who
used a focus group to find that several participants
main concerns contributing to depression were
worries regarding changes to body image and feeling
unsure of how to cope with these issues. On the
other hand, Krouse, Grant, McCorkle, Wednel, Cobb,
Tallman, Ercolano, Sun, Hibbard and Hornbrook
(2016) found in there study that helping patients
to establish coping strategies though supportive
interventions improved both mental health and self-
esteem. One suggestion from Bule and Frings (2016)
was that receiving support thought maintaining a
group membership is beneficial during recovery as
this would allow patients to interact with others and
improve their resilience.
Nurses’ education
Pre and post-operative education
As explained by Thorpe et al (2014), pre and post-
operative education are essential to prepare patients
for life with a stoma, helping the know what to expect
and facilitating the acceptance process. Receiving this
education can reduced post-operative anxiety and
should not be delayed (Spalding, Poland, Gregory,
McCulloch, Sargen & Vicary, 2013). McGeever (2013)
emphasises that a variety of topics should be covered
by nurses from procedures in theatre to discharge
from hospital. Furthermore, receiving this education
states Russell (2017) can equip patients with
essential information that may help to reduce future
readmissions to hospital.
Support Rational for change
The theme of support was emphasised by Grant et
al (2011) who found that one of participant’s main
priority post-operatively, was for themselves as well
as family and friends to be supported throughout
the surgical journey. Furthermore, Anaraki et al
(2012) suggested that male and female patients
may require guidance on gender specific topics The above themes were all identified from findings
by various researchers. Their ideas have illustrated
need for change in practice that will benefit not only
nurses’ education but improve patients care. Aside
from the previously identified studies, additional
research by Zimnicki and Pieper (2018) identified
that 48.2% of students’ nurses had not cared for
16