Nursing Care and Patient Education for Ulcerative Colitis Patients in Japan: A Scoping Review

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease marked by continuous inflammation of the mucosal lining of the rectum and colon, often leading to erosion and ulcer formation. The number of patients with UC in Japan has been increasing annually. The importance of self-care, which is crucial in the management of this chronic disease, has grown. This study aimed to assess the current status of nursing care and patient education provided by nurses to patients with UC in Japan through a scoping review. We used the following search keywords: "ulcerative colitis", "nursing", "self-management", "patient education", and "diet therapy". We searched the Japan Medical Abstracts Society Web (Ichushi-Web) and CiNii databases. Based on predefined inclusion criteria, two researchers independently screened articles. From the selected studies, data on nursing care and patient education provided by nurses were extracted. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, including six case reports and one survey study. The extracted content of nursing care and patient education was categorized into eight categories: Stoma Management and Care, Guidance on Self-Management of Medication and Wound Care, Collaboration and Coordination with Other Professionals, Pain Management, Wound and Ulcer Care, Assistance with Activities of Daily Living, Patient Understanding and Advocacy Role, and Psychological Care. These were further grouped into four overarching themes: Self-Management Education and Technical Guidance, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, Direct Care, and Patient Understanding and Emotional Support. Nursing care and patient education for patients with UC may have clinical utility in improving quality of life and supporting continued treatment by alleviating patients' critical conditions, facilitating stoma acceptance, and providing appropriate wound care and pain management.