Perioperative education for patients undergoing colorectal stoma surgery: A scoping review

Colorectal ostomy surgery with stoma formation, presents significant physical, psychological, and social challenges for patients. Perioperative education is essential for supporting patients and facilitating adjustment to life with a stoma.

To identify the education strategies for patients undergoing colorectal ostomy surgery and summarise the outcomes measured.

Four databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Scopus) were systematically searched for peer reviewed research articles up to mid-November 2024. Studies were included if they examined patient educational strategies and outcomes related to colorectal ostomy surgery.

Thirty-five articles from 18 countries were included. Most interventions used face-to-face nurse-led education supplemented with written materials or multimedia tools such as telehealth and mobile applications. Patient involvement in intervention design emerged in recent studies and three studies included peer‑led education, leading to improved self‑efficacy, psychosocial adjustment, and satisfaction. Overall, education improved ostomy knowledge, self‑care skills and quality of life. Preoperative education was effective in reducing anxiety and depression, whilst postoperative education supported long‑term adaptation. Interventions combining preoperative and postoperative components were linked to shorter length of stay and fewer complications.

Comprehensive education and ongoing support from specialist nurses, family and peers improves patient outcomes. Multimedia tools show potential to extend education to widespread and diverse patient populations, complementing the benefits of face-to-face care.

Stoma education has evolved toward multi-modal, personalised, and technology-enabled approaches delivered across the perioperative pathway. These integrated strategies have the greatest potential to improve patient outcomes and optimise health service utilisation.