Perceptions of Educational Needs Among Patients With Ostomies

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the perceptions of individuals with an ostomy regarding the education they received and their reported confidence levels. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at learning about the perceptions of people living with a new ostomy related to initial learning about basic ostomy self-care. An anonymous survey of individuals with an ostomy was snowballed on social media and through email. Participants were at least 18 years or older, had undergone an ostomy procedure, were English-speaking, and had access to the internet. Individuals were excluded if they had undergone a reversal procedure of their ostomy. RESULTS: Three hundred nineteen individuals participated, with a mean age of 60.13 ± 15.8 years, predominantly female 65.9% and White 92.8%, with only 1 reporting receiving their ostomy in the past year. Ostomy education was reported preoperatively at 48.6% and post-discharge at 52.7%. Participants reported learning best through hands-on practice (77.1%). Educational topics requested or emphasized included stoma appearance (54.2%), skin irritation (51.7%), and ostomy products (51.4%). The reported overall mean confidence score of 8.9 ± 1.45 on a scale of 0 (no confidence) to 10 (very confident) was high. CONCLUSIONS: Education is critical prior to, during, and following an ostomy procedure to ensure patients have the knowledge and skills to successfully manage. Educational topics regarding self-care with reinforcement of skills are essential, as well as recognition of the emotional impact of this life-altering procedure. Wound ostomy nurses are key to facilitating self-care management and confidence.