Abstract
Introduction: Living with a permanent colostomy brings severe changes in patients’ lives. The general health status as well as the personal, social and professional life of patients are significantly affected. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the lived experience of patients undergoing permanent colostomy. Material and Methods: A qualitative research design based on interpretive phenomenology was carried out. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as the data collection method to obtain in-depth information regarding the research topic. The study sample consisted of eight (8) patients who had undergone a permanent colostomy. The data analysis was performed by the method of content analysis. Results: From the analysis of the data, three main themes emerged, namely: (A) Experiencing a traumatic event; (B) Living a new reality; (C) Efforts to improve quality of life. Five subthemes were formulated which were encompassed within the respective main themes accordingly. Conclusion: Patients with permanent colostomy face significant life changes that are experienced in a traumatic way. Issues such as autonomy, family and organizational support, self-management and empowerment can significantly improve the patients’ quality of life. Further research, regarding caregivers’ experience, improved community nursing care as well as nurses’ views on the needs of colostomy patients and their families, is suggested.
Highlights
Living with a permanent colostomy brings severe changes in patients’lives
The aim of the present study was to examine the lived experience of patients who have undergone a permanent colostomy, using a qualitative research approach
Since the purpose of the present study was to investigate the lived experience of the patients undergoing permanent colostomy in depth—to understand how people with colostomy live with this and construct meaning in their lives—a qualitative approach based on the principles of interpretive phenomenology (IP) was followed
Summary
Living with a permanent colostomy brings severe changes in patients’lives. The general health status as well as the personal, social and professional life of patients are significantly affected. The presence of colostomy is associated with a variety of complex problems, such as psychological and sexual problems, dissatisfaction with altered body image, changes in daily routine, travel difficulties and tiredness. Factors such as age, gender and time since treatment may have an effect on ostomy-specific QOL; relevant literature does not provide conclusive evidence about this effect [1]. Married individuals experience major sexual life changes, especially right after surgery or at the early stages of the disease These changes are gradually resolved as soon as patients learn to effectively handle the new situation [3].
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