Common factors affecting quality of life scores for patients with newly formed stomas: A review of the literature

Introduction: Nurses have a key role in promoting and optimising the quality of life of patients adapting post-operatively to newly formed stomas. There are common factors negatively impacting on nursing care such as inconsistent Government strategy, poor evidence-based care informing organisations and inadequate resource allocation in localised care. Due to the number of patients living with stomas expected to rise to impact on service provision, this literature review aims to identify key factors nurses should be aware of when promoting health-related quality of life care post-operatively. Methodology: A search was conducted using CINAHL Ultimate and Medline to identify key factors affecting the quality of life of patients with newly formed stomas. n=66 papers were identified using search-specific criteria between 2014 and 2024. n=26 research studies were retrieved, and after inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered, n= 7 papers were critically appraised. Findings: Common factors identified were the importance of quality-of-life assessment tools used to assess health related quality of life, peristomal skin issues (inflammation, injury or damage to surrounding), and a lack of available suitable facilities affecting privacy. Discussion: It is important to understand the difficulties ostomates face post-operatively and follow evidence-based guidelines irrespective of national pandemic emergencies. Conclusion: This paper highlights a significant research gap into the facilities available for people living with a stoma; and the evidence identifies negative factors impacting on quality-of-life scores for both male and female ostomates.