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Aims/objectives: To analyse the relevance in clinical practice of factors reviewed in previous studies that define the experience of people with a stoma (ostomates), through the opinions of stoma care nurses. Method: Categories and thematic statements were reviewed by stoma care nurses using a modified Delphi method. They assessed the clinical relevance of the previously identified issues by measuring the intensity of the described situations within their practice. Results: Social impact was the most significant issue. Other relevant aspects were ‘description of disease’, ‘interaction with mutual help groups’, ‘health education’ and ‘consultation with professionals to improve self-care’, among others. In view of these results, an explanatory model was proposed whose central category was the ‘necessity of educating ostomates’, assuming that, if it is mediated by stoma care nurses in combination with others (such as mutual help groups), it will have a positive impact on the promotion of self-care, and it would reduce the negative impact of the stoma. Conclusions: The social dimension was the most outstanding area in the care of ostomates. Patients were afraid of social relationships, triggering situations of isolation and limiting their exposure to unfamiliar environments. If precautions related to stoma care are maintained, it will allow them to live a life without these limitations.

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