Comparison of adjustment to a temporary or permanent ostomy using the OAI-23

Area of Science:

• Medical and Health Sciences
• Psychology
• Nursing

Background:

• Ostomy surgery, creating a stoma, can be temporary or permanent, impacting patients' quality of life.
• Understanding ostomy adjustment is crucial for providing effective patient support.
• Previous research has not extensively compared adjustment trajectories between temporary and permanent ostomy patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the adjustment experiences of Australian adults with new temporary versus permanent ostomies.
• To identify differences and similarities in ostomy adjustment domains between the two groups.

Main Methods:

• A multicentre, longitudinal observational study involving 700 adult patients.
• Ostomy adjustment was measured using the Ostomy Adjustment Inventory (OAI-23) over 9 months post-surgery.
• The OAI-23 assesses anger, acceptance, anxious preoccupation, and social engagement.

Main Results:

• Minor differences in ostomy adjustment were observed between temporary and permanent ostomy groups.
• No statistically significant differences were found beyond two weeks post-discharge.
• Both groups reported increased anxious preoccupation and difficulties with social engagement, with neither group fully regaining presurgery confidence in social activities.

Conclusions:

• Patients with temporary and permanent ostomies experience largely similar adjustment challenges.
• Both groups face ongoing issues with anxious preoccupation and social engagement.
• Clinical practice should ensure equitable access to education, training, and support, focusing on psychological and physical outcomes for all ostomy patients.