Scientific and Clinical Abstracts From WOCNext® 2022

Abstract

AIM: To explore the experiences of persons living with an intestinal ostomy using the adjunct of photo-elicitation with interviews. BACKGROUND: Th e creation of an intestinal ostomy results in the revision of an essential bodily function and an alteration of the body image and causes physical, psychological, and social changes in the lifestyle through the adjustment and management of the new condition (Knowles et al., 2014). Th ere are currently no ostomy studies that use photo-elicitation. METHODS: In this qualitative descriptive design, content analysis was used. Ten people living with intestinal ostomy each took part in 2 semistructured interviews that utilized the strategy of photo-elicitation to collect the data. Th e fi rst interview utilized preexisting photos, and the second interview utilized photos that the participants took specifi cally for the study. Meleis' transition theory was utilized as a sensitizing theory. RESULTS: Seven categories emerged from the data analysis. Th e categories were body, feelings, healthcare, coping, fi nances, life impact, and relationships. Th irty percent of the interview content was related directly to the photos shared, with each photo eliciting an average of 150 words. All phases and patterns of Meleis' transition theory were represented in the data (Meleis, 2010). CONCLUSIONS: Th is study highlights the impact of an intestinal ostomy has on people's lives. As participants transitioned to their new reality, it became apparent that they had to adjust to their sense of self, physical being, lifestyle, social and intimate relationships, and the fi nancial implications related to their illness and ostomy supplies. Participants in the study did experience a transition as coding results confi rmed the phases and patterns of Meleis' transition theory. Photo-elicitation is a benefi cial adjunct for data collection with persons living with an intestinal ostomy. REFERENCES