Stoma care nurses' experiences using a clinical feedback system in routine outpatient follow-up: a qualitative study

A clinical feedback system (CFS) has been implemented in routine outpatient follow-up to collect patient-reported outcomes (PROs), enabling stoma care nurses (SCNs) to address patients' needs as they adjust to life with an ostomy. This study aimed to explore SCNs' experiences of using a CFS in routine outpatient follow-up within specialist healthcare services.

The study had an exploratory, inductive qualitative design. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with fourteen SCNs at outpatient clinics in four hospitals. Data were analysed using Reflexive thematic analysis.

An overarching theme, Clinical feedback system as a tool for personalised and holistic follow-up care, was developed with three themes: (1) Providing and receiving information as preparation for consultation; (2) Seamless use of clinical feedback system during consultations; and (3) Shared language and use of visual features. SCNs experienced the use of the CFS as a valuable tool for promoting personalised and holistic follow-up care. They described the CFS as supporting preparation, providing structure to consultations, and enhancing patient involvement. The CFS was experienced as useful for mapping, assessing, and evaluating patients' adaptation processes, particularly in identifying areas of concern. SCNs described using the tool seamlessly within their existing practice while exercising clinical judgement. They experienced the visual features and the development of a shared, mutually understood language as facilitating meaningful dialogue during consultations. Although perceptions of its usefulness varied, SCNs emphasised that the CFS allowed flexibility and autonomy, enabling them to adapt its use to their consultation style and patients' individual needs.

This study showed that SCNs experienced the CFS as more than a tool for assessing patient function and adaptation and described how it shaped the way they conducted follow-up consultations. The SCNs perceived that meaningful use in routine practice supported their work in tailoring holistic follow-up care to individual patients. These findings suggest that the use of a CFS in routine ostomy care has the potential to facilitate person-centred dialogue and support person-centred care. This study highlights an emerging, forward-looking nursing role in which digital tools are integrated into everyday practice to enhance personalised care. Developing structured training programmes for SCNs is essential to support the effective use of the CFS in clinical practice. Further research is warranted to inform the development, content, delivery, and effects of such programmes.

Not applicable.