Hospital to home: smoothing the journey for the new ostomist

Abstract

For most patients, being discharged from hospital is an important milestone in their recovery. Having come through surgery, they have completed their early recovery, are well enough to leave the safe confines of the hospital and have reached the natural end point of what should be a well coordinated episode of care with a satisfactory outcome, where the discharge is as important as the admission. However, although most are naturally pleased to be going home, patients will have many fears and anxieties about how they are actually going to manage. This includes not only coping with their recovery, but also managing their lives, returning to their usual activities and lifestyle and coping with their new stoma. Knowledge information and support, nursing interventions and experiences in hospital are valuable and will be put to good use at home. This article identifies the key issues that may arise during this time, the level of knowledge and skill required for a successful transition home and the support required by the patient to adapt to their changed circumstances.

Stressors Relating to Patient Psychological Health Following Stoma Surgery: An Integrated Literature Review

“…In addition to the pouch change, patients also were expected to learn to clean their stoma, identify stoma complications, and understand lifestyle changes such as adopting a low-residue diet and avoiding lifting heavy objects. The uncertainty of whether they could manage their stoma independently caused fear, insecurity, and anxiety among these patients (Readding, 2005). Therefore, preparation for discharge was considered a stressful event for many patients, and psychological support should be provided alongside postoperative education (Fulham, 2008).…”

What Do Surgical Oncology Staff Nurses Know About Colorectal Cancer Ostomy Care?

“…Patients who have had surgery with an ostomy require short-and long-term follow-up to adjust and manage complications. Educational needs identified by patients with an ostomy include stoma care skills, counseling, diet, obtaining supplies, and management of complications (McMullen et al, 2008;Readding, 2005).…”

The hospital discharge as evaluated by patients and their caregivers: an integrative literature review

“…The authors agree that the discharge should be planned by the multiprofessional team in charge of care, and its implementation should start right after the therapeutics establishment (4)(5) . Studies (6)(7)(8)(9) show that the information provision is the basic DP intervention, and the patients and their caregivers are able to identify their needs of information, which depend on the health status and types of required care for discharge. Nevertheless, the way the information is provided and the resources used may help apprehend its contents and favor process satisfaction.…”