Effect of Nursing Interventions on Patients’ Adaptation to Living With a Stoma: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of nursing interventions on patients' adaptation to living with a stoma. DATA SOURCES: Nine electronic databases (PubMed, Complementary Index, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate, CINAHL Complete, OpenAIRE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Supplemental Index, and the Belt and Road Initiative Reference) were searched to identify studies published until September 2023. STUDY SELECTION: A 3-stage selection process was employed to manage the literature search records using Endnote X8 literature management software. Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 and Cochrane 2021 recommendations. Seven RCTs were included, involving 657 participants (327 in intervention groups and 330 in control groups). DATA EXTRACTION: A 9-item, standardized, and prepiloted data extraction form was employed to record data from included studies. Seven studies that met the inclusion criteria were eligible for meta-analysis. DATA SYNTHESIS: The impact of nursing interventions was assessed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. A meta-analysis was performed with the effect of nursing interventions on patients' adaptation to living with a stoma. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing interventions, especially those incorporating technological tools, are effective in supporting stoma patients, particularly patients with cancer, in adapting to life with a stoma. Nurses should integrate these interventions into routine care for patients with stoma to improve outcomes.