Quality of life among ostomy patients: A narrative literature review

Abstract

Aim and objective: This study aims to identify and summarise factors related to ostomy patients' experiences and how these impact the perceived quality of life for those patients.Background: Ostomy formation is a common therapeutic technique used to treat different colorectal diseases such as colorectal cancer. Although surgical intervention and ostomy formation may prolong a patient's life, it may cause many problems in their daily lifestyle and affect their quality of life. The surgical creation of an ostomy has a significant impacts on a patient's quality of life from multiple perspectives, including physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects. Design: A narrative literature review, using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline). Methods: This review analysis of search filters was conducted in the following databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL, Embase, ProQuest, Science Direct, Scopus, and PsycINFO. A validation data set of 283 research articles between January 2000 and December 2019 were used to identify the impact of stoma surgery on patients' quality of life.Result: Thirty-seven studies were identified as suitable for inclusion in this literature review. The results of the review indicate that quality of life (QoL) in patients who have an ostomy is influenced by many modifiable factors. Exercise, preoperative stoma site identification, family support, maintenance of social networks, education, spirituality and financial stability are all potentially modifiable factors that can improve the QOL for ostomy patients. Conclusion:This review has identified multiple challenges that ostomy patients experience, which were clustered according to physical, psychological, social and spiritual challenges. Relevance to clinical practice:This study identifies issues associated with stoma creation and can help in planning and providing the required nursing care which may assist in the reduction of predictable challenges. Recommendations for future research related to nursing practice are stated.

Confidence, skills and barriers to ostomy patient care by nursing staff in Saudi Arabia

“…An ostomy is a surgical procedure in which the bowel or ureter is attached to the abdominal wall to create an opening (stoma) for feces or urine elimination 2 . Ostomies are difficult procedures that can have a major impact on an individual's physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well‐being 3,4 . Some of the associated lifestyle changes include the need for daily care of the ostomy and peristomal skin, properly fitted equipment, appropriate diet and elimination strategies, flatus and odor control, and social relationship adjustments in line with daily care requirements.…”

“…A recent systematic review by Audet et al 16 found that better nursing education and longer nursing experience were associated with benefits to patients in terms of lower risk of mortality and adverse events. Nurses’ knowledge of the needs of patients with ostomies and the implementation of appropriate ostomy care can prevent ostomy‐associated problems for patients following stoma surgery 3,7 . Moreover, the quality of life for patients with ostomies could be improved through the application of evidence‐based clinical nursing interventions 3,7 …”

“…Nurses’ knowledge of the needs of patients with ostomies and the implementation of appropriate ostomy care can prevent ostomy‐associated problems for patients following stoma surgery 3,7 . Moreover, the quality of life for patients with ostomies could be improved through the application of evidence‐based clinical nursing interventions 3,7 …”

“…Nurses' knowledge of the needs of patients with ostomies and the implementation of appropriate ostomy care can prevent ostomy-associated problems for patients following stoma surgery. 3,7 Moreover, the quality of life for patients with ostomies could be improved through the application of evidence-based clinical nursing interventions. 3,7 In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, national healthcare has become a priority in the last decade, which has coincided with an influx of expatriate workers and the construction of modern hospitals.…”

“…3,7 Moreover, the quality of life for patients with ostomies could be improved through the application of evidence-based clinical nursing interventions. 3,7 In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, national healthcare has become a priority in the last decade, which has coincided with an influx of expatriate workers and the construction of modern hospitals. As a result, the majority of nursing staff in Saudi Arabia are not Saudi nationals, and all hospitals follow Western-style care models.…”