P-0186 Stoma Club as An Element of Improving The Quality of Life in Patients With Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Stoma Club is a voluntary association of patients suffering from colorectal cancer. Professionals such as oncologists, family practitioners and visiting nurses are also included in its work. The quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer is significantly impaired. They have difficulties in dealing with changed hygienic conditions and their work capacity and the capacity for basic self-care are diminished. They often give up all social activities and are dissatisfied with health care availability. Objective: To test the quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer involved in the Stoma Club in comparison to the quality of life in patients who are not in the Club. Methods The group of examinees included 118 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the last 10 years, while the control group included 109 members of the Stoma Club. Basic quality-of-life parameters of the patients with colorectal cancer were tested. Results Members of the Stoma Club expressed greater satisfaction with hygienic conditions (87.1%) compared to the group of examinees (43.8%). Satisfaction with social life was expressed in the ratio 68.3%/44.5%. Availability of health care was rated in the 92.8%/54.1% ratio. The Stoma Club members visit their family physician on average 1.12 times a month while the patients in the examinee group do that 1.86 times a month. Conclusion Patients with colorectal cancer who belong to the Stoma Club accept their disease more easily; they are more satisfied with the changed hygienic conditions and they rate their overall quality of life better. Their need for services of a family practitioner is lesser because they use methods of education and self-education as part of the group work.