![[ Visit WOCN Website ]](images/header_bg.jpg)
This paper reports the findings from a survey of over 350 ostomates. Designed to explore factors that impact on quality of life after stoma formation the survey revealed a wealth of information, that provides additional insights into the quality of life of those living with a permanent colostomy. The survey was carried by postal questionnaire, with mainly closed questions, but some open-ended to allow expansion or qualification of responses (Bryman 2008).
This was an older group of respondents with many at retirement age or older at the time of surgery, and therefore faced some age specific issues. In addition the majority of participants had undergone surgery as a result of malignancy, and thus were coping not only with the stoma but also their perceptions of life after cancer. Despite this, and recommendations from previous research (Kelly1996) few had been offered any counselling, either at the time of surgery or later, although almost 30% reported emotional problems and/or some difficulty with intimacy after surgery, and over 40% of men and 27% of women had experienced a degree of physical problems with sexual relations. Overall the perceptions of care and support varied, with some excellent examples given, but some 30% reporting that healthcare professionals had insufficient knowledge to provide adequate support after discharge.
Over 30% reported complications that necessitated further admissions and in many instances more surgery, with restrictions on activities of daily life (including social activities with family and friends) present for 40% of the sample. Problems with appliance were frequently cites with lack of adhesion, difficulty of fitting and limited bag capacity causing most problems. Disposal of used appliances was reported to be a problem for 33%, both in environmental terms and for some who travelled or spent extended periods outside their homes.
This was an older group of respondents with many at retirement age or older at the time of surgery, and therefore faced some age specific issues. In addition the majority of participants had undergone surgery as a result of malignancy, and thus were coping not only with the stoma but also their perceptions of life after cancer. Despite this, and recommendations from previous research (Kelly1996) few had been offered any counselling, either at the time of surgery or later, although almost 30% reported emotional problems and/or some difficulty with intimacy after surgery, and over 40% of men and 27% of women had experienced a degree of physical problems with sexual relations. Overall the perceptions of care and support varied, with some excellent examples given, but some 30% reporting that healthcare professionals had insufficient knowledge to provide adequate support after discharge.
Over 30% reported complications that necessitated further admissions and in many instances more surgery, with restrictions on activities of daily life (including social activities with family and friends) present for 40% of the sample. Problems with appliance were frequently cites with lack of adhesion, difficulty of fitting and limited bag capacity causing most problems. Disposal of used appliances was reported to be a problem for 33%, both in environmental terms and for some who travelled or spent extended periods outside their homes.