Importance of stoma care nurses in preparing patients for stoma surgery and adjustment to life with a stoma

Background: Stoma surgery is a life-changing event and patients must subsequently make significant adjustments to their lives. Aim: The study set out to understand the level of interaction between patients and stoma care nurses (SCNs) in relation to preparing patients for stoma surgery and in adjustment to life with a stoma. Methods: Retrospective, self-reported questionnaires for patients and SCNs. Results: Most patients (98%) with planned stoma surgery had pre-operative consultations with health professionals in contrast to 36% of patients with unplanned surgery, who did not. One third of patients with unplanned surgery did not feel prepared for life with a stoma based on the information provided during their hospital stay. Two thirds of the nurses reported having sufficient time to prepare patients for stoma surgery and to life with a stoma. Conclusion: SCNs are key in preparing patients for surgery and for life with a stoma. Variations in care were experienced by patients having planned versus unplanned surgeries.