P0166 Presence of stoma nurse and quality of life of colorectal cancer patients with fecal ostomy in the early postoperative phase

Abstract

Background The early postoperative phase is a crucial period for maximising the self-efficacy of patients in preparation for hospital discharge. However, there is scarce research on the effects of the presence of the stoma nurse during this phase on the quality of life (QOL) of colorectal cancer patients with fecal ostomy. This study aimed to determine the following: (1) QOL of patients with colorectal cancer with fecal ostomy in the early postoperative phase, (2) patient-related factors associated with QOL, and (3) relationship of the presence of the stoma nurse with QOL following surgery. Methods The study used a cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design. 93 patients with colorectal cancer from two tertiary hospitals who were at least 3 days post-fecal ostomy surgery were included. Patient-related factors and QOL were assessed through face-to-face interview using a patient information sheet and the validated Filipino version of the Stoma-QoL Questionnaire, respectively. Data collection was done from March to August, 2014. Findings Mean QOL score was 55.5 (SD 9.9), indicating a moderate level of quality of life. Sex, presence of comorbidities, and financial status were patient-related factors found to be associated with QOL. Mean duration a patient was seen by a stoma nurse post-surgery was 5 days (SD 3). Participants had higher QOL scores the earlier they were seen by a stoma nurse, regardless of the type of postoperative intervention needed ( p = 0.029). Interpretation The presence of stoma nurses in the early postoperative phase may have a positive effect on the QOL of patients with colorectal cancer. This presents as an opportunity to implement timely interventions that are evidence-based and sensitive to patient-related factors. More research is needed to examine whether the early presence of stoma nurses may have long-term effects on the QOL of patients with colorectal cancer after discharge.