Adjustment to a temporary compared to a permanent ostomy: A qualitative analysis of survey responses

To describe differences and similarities in adaptation or adjustment to a new temporary compared to a new permanent ostomy.

Few studies have assessed differences in adjustment between temporary and permanent ostomies. This is important as some evidence suggests that individuals with a temporary ostomy defer returning to pre-ostomy life until the ostomy is reversed, while those with a permanent ostomy adjust more quickly. Qualitative data can offer deeper insights by exploring personal perspectives, beliefs, and attitudes as people adapt and adjust to a new ostomy.

This is a multicentre, longitudinal observational study in which adjustment to an ostomy was measured using open-ended, short answer questions added to the Ostomy Adjustment Inventory (OAI-23).

Sample: Seven hundred participants were recruited through 11 care facilities, 397 had a temporary ostomy and 303 had a permanent ostomy. This paper explores the 626 responses to open-ended questions.

Data was uploaded into NVivo (14) software and responses were analysed as data corpus using thematic analysis.

The formation of a new temporary or permanent ostomy required a period of adaptation and adjustment. Thirteen sub-themes were identified and further refined into three major themes, adjusting to the unfamiliar and unpredictable body; navigating uncharted territory; and psychological adjustment. Whilst some minor differences were noted, these were far overshadowed by the similarities in adjustment between the two groups.

Adaptation to a temporary or permanent ostomy is an ongoing process with many similarities influencing adjustment outcomes. Improved comprehension of ostomy adjustment will assist planning services to meet the needs of this population.