Difficulties experienced by partners of patients with a temporary stoma

Abstract

　This qualitative study aimed to clarify the difficulties experienced by partners of patients with a temporary stoma by conducting semi-structured interviews with five partners of temporary ostomates for a descriptive analysis. As a result, three categories were selected for investigation: “Difficulties experienced as the partner of a stoma patient”, “Difficulties experienced as the partner of a patient whose life may be in danger,” and “Difficulties experienced as an ordinary under these circumstances.” The category, “Difficulties experienced as the partner of a stoma patient” was divided into six sub-categories: “I find it difficult to deal with the stoma and defecation issues,” “I make sure that other members of the family do not see the stoma,” “I find the equipment to be intrusive,” “I am worried about skin trouble around the stoma”, etc. “Difficulties experienced as the partner of a patient whose life may be in danger” was divided into three sub-categories: “I am conscious of the possibility of my partner’s death,” “I can’t relax until I know the results of tests or operation,” and “I continue to worry about whether the disease will return even after operation.” For “Difficulties experienced as a person living in this situation,” the respondents mentioned their need to look after other members of the family besides the patient. This study suggested the need of the partners of patients with a temporary stoma, who frequently experience the difficulties described above, for the active support and consideration of nursing staff.