LIVED EXPERIENCES OF OSTOMY PATIENTS PARTICIPATINGIN SUPPORT GROUPS: A QUALITATIVE PHENOMENOLOGY

This descriptive phenomenological study was done to describe the lived experiences of patients with ostomies participating in support groups. Fifteen participants with different types of ostomies, who participate in monthly support groups, were recruited from the State of Georgia using purposive sampling. However, data were collected from 10 participants after the informed consent forms were signed due to data saturation. The data collection included semi-structured interviews using one primary open-ended question and eight interview questions.  The number of years these participants have had ostomies ranged from six months to 60 years. The open-ended interview questions were used to explore the lived experiences and the meaning of these experiences while participating in support groups. The interviews of the participants was held in the hospital classroom where the monthly support group meetings are held. The interviews lasted between 45 and 60 minutes.

Data analysis consisted of thematic analysis using Parse’s method. NVivo, a research assisted computer software, was used to facilitate multiple coding. The findings from this study revealed details of the lived experiences from the prospective of the individuals involved in the experience. Four central themes emerged from the data. These were: Support groups give hope and change lives, Changes in Body Image, I am not alone, and Being independent. Gaining understanding of the four themes as they illustrated the participants’ perspective of participating in a support group added meaningful information for nursing and other health-care provider’s body of knowledge. This is also true for the decision makers of individuals undergoing ostomy construction with regard to the care needed post-construction. The findings also fills the gap on the topic of the experiences of ostomy patients before their participation in a support group for health care professionals and should instruct their practice with regard to the education of the patients.