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Purpose: Use of technology and evidence-based practices have reduced length stay for patients undergoing surgery resulting in a new ostomy to approximately 2-3 days shortening the time for patient education related to ostomy care and life adjustments. This study determined the quality of life (QOL) and issues related to having a new ostomy the first 2-4 weeks postoperatively by surveying patients and significant others. A conceptual model used demographic and clinical factors to predict ostomy related QOL.
Methods: After institutional review board approvals, a mailed validated survey was sent to patients with new ostomies and their significant other 2-3 weeks postoperatively. A modified Dillman mailing method was used. Analyses included descriptive and inferential analyses of predictors.
Results: Patient response rate was 115/270 (42%). Mean age of respondents was 55 years (S.D. 17), most were male (59%), cancer was the most frequent diagnosis (44%) followed by ulcerative colitis (21%), 65% had colostomies and 61% had temporary stomas. Most were married (63%), Caucasian (97%) and non-Hispanic (99%). Significant findings included 46% (n=53) reporting feeling depressed after surgery, 47% had difficulty with clothing, and 71% had made dietary changes. Overall QOL had a mean of 6.2 (SD 2.6) (scale of 0-10 with 10=excellent) and satisfaction with appearance was 5.42 (SD 2.7). Having an ostomy interfered with recreational / sports activities (mean = 5.6, SD 3.5) and ability to be intimate (mean = 6.0, SD 3.8). Leaking of the appliance was most common and most severely impacted perceived QOL. Significant other surveys mirrored the patients’ surveys.
Conclusions: Few patients (10%) reported severe problems. Comparison to other studies is difficult as few look at this time period of adjustment. The survey indicated patients’ needs are not fully met and further work is needed to predict those patients and identify ways to meet their needs.
Methods: After institutional review board approvals, a mailed validated survey was sent to patients with new ostomies and their significant other 2-3 weeks postoperatively. A modified Dillman mailing method was used. Analyses included descriptive and inferential analyses of predictors.
Results: Patient response rate was 115/270 (42%). Mean age of respondents was 55 years (S.D. 17), most were male (59%), cancer was the most frequent diagnosis (44%) followed by ulcerative colitis (21%), 65% had colostomies and 61% had temporary stomas. Most were married (63%), Caucasian (97%) and non-Hispanic (99%). Significant findings included 46% (n=53) reporting feeling depressed after surgery, 47% had difficulty with clothing, and 71% had made dietary changes. Overall QOL had a mean of 6.2 (SD 2.6) (scale of 0-10 with 10=excellent) and satisfaction with appearance was 5.42 (SD 2.7). Having an ostomy interfered with recreational / sports activities (mean = 5.6, SD 3.5) and ability to be intimate (mean = 6.0, SD 3.8). Leaking of the appliance was most common and most severely impacted perceived QOL. Significant other surveys mirrored the patients’ surveys.
Conclusions: Few patients (10%) reported severe problems. Comparison to other studies is difficult as few look at this time period of adjustment. The survey indicated patients’ needs are not fully met and further work is needed to predict those patients and identify ways to meet their needs.