Improving Quality of Life for Colostomates

For many patients quality of life has already been affected by increased morbidity, when they are admitted to hospital for bowel surgery and formation of a stoma; surgery that promises a new start, an improvement in health and a return to normal daily living.  However, the psychological impact a stoma has on a patient is well documented; alterations to body image, loss of control of elimination the use of stoma products and restrictions on lifestyle are just some of the issues the new ostomate has to deal with. The support of a stoma nurse is paramount; by ensuring that the ostomate is introduced to the correct appliance will help to alleviate some of their stress, raise their confidence and help them to return to everyday activities and relationships much earlier.
For colostomates, disposal of used pouches has been identified as a continuing embarrassing and stressful problem associated with poor adaptation to living with a stoma; methods of disposal are unpleasant and unhygienic. A study by the British Colostomy Association found that for many colostomates disposal of their used appliance was the most difficult part of their routine and many avoided social interaction and leisure activities due to the problems surrounding disposal.  Pouch change and disposal has been significantly associated with depression, more negative thinking and diminished confidence to self care; (White 2002)
An innovative advanced colostomy pouch designed to deal with disposal issues whilst also bringing together important factors of hygiene, discretion, convenience and a reduction of any environmental consequences has been evaluated.
The results of a study, in excess of 70 patients will be reviewed to demonstrate the extent to which the pouch meets the requirements of users; secondly, results of individual case studies and the results of a follow up questionnaire one year on; will look specifically at how the pouch has increased quality of life issues for colostomates.