Perceptions of Educational Needs Among Patients With Ostomies

This study aimed to examine the perceptions of individuals with an ostomy regarding the education they received and their reported confidence levels.

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at learning about the perceptions of people living with a new ostomy related to initial learning about basic ostomy self-care. An anonymous survey of individuals with an ostomy was snowballed on social media and through email. Participants were at least 18 years or older, had undergone an ostomy procedure, were English-speaking, and had access to the internet. Individuals were excluded if they had undergone a reversal procedure of their ostomy.

Three hundred nineteen individuals participated, with a mean age of 60.13 ± 15.8 years, predominantly female 65.9% and White 92.8%, with only 1 reporting receiving their ostomy in the past year. Ostomy education was reported preoperatively at 48.6% and post-discharge at 52.7%. Participants reported learning best through hands-on practice (77.1%). Educational topics requested or emphasized included stoma appearance (54.2%), skin irritation (51.7%), and ostomy products (51.4%). The reported overall mean confidence score of 8.9 ± 1.45 on a scale of 0 (no confidence) to 10 (very confident) was high.

Education is critical prior to, during, and following an ostomy procedure to ensure patients have the knowledge and skills to successfully manage. Educational topics regarding self-care with reinforcement of skills are essential, as well as recognition of the emotional impact of this life-altering procedure. Wound ostomy nurses are key to facilitating self-care management and confidence.