“Living with a Stoma”: Exploring the Lived Experience of Patients with Permanent Colostomy

Areti Stavropoulou, Dimitrios Vlamakis, Evridiki Kaba, Ioannis Kalemikerakis, Maria Polikandrioti, Georgia Fasoi, Georgios Vasilopoulos and Martha Kelesi
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Areti Stavropoulou: Department of Nursing, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Dimitrios Vlamakis: Department of Nursing, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Evridiki Kaba: Department of Nursing, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Ioannis Kalemikerakis: Department of Nursing, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Maria Polikandrioti: Department of Nursing, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Georgia Fasoi: Department of Nursing, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Georgios Vasilopoulos: Department of Nursing, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Martha Kelesi: Department of Nursing, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-15

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.

Keywords: colostomy; assessment; patient outcomes; quality of life; nursing care; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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