Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the experiences of patients who underwent sacral neuromodulation therapy to collect data applicable to nursing support. The data were collected from semi-structured interviews of six patients who were undergoing sacral neuromodulation therapy and were analyzed using a qualitative, inductive approach. Five categories were extracted as a result. The patients had various responses regarding
the pain and discomfort stemming from the therapy and reported feeling the implanted neurotransmitter as a source of irritation. As the patients adjusted to the discomfort, they learned how to operate the program with the support and encouragement provided by the nursing staff despite initially feeling uncertain and confused. While feeling thankful for the ability to increase their daily activities as their fecal incontinence improved, the patients experienced post-treatment changes attendant upon device implantation and the stimulation of the therapy. Because the therapy is semipermanent, the patients were “concerned about the future” as well as having “ expectations for the future of sacral neuromodulation”, including improvements in the program and wider dissemination of knowledge about the treatment. The present study revealed a wide variation among patients undergoing sacral neuromodulation in terms of their feelings about and understanding of the treatment and their daily life circumstances. Therefore, it is essential for nursing staff to provide personalized information about each patient, recognize that patients undergoing sacral neuromodulation have concern and expectations regarding the therapy, and to help them to live positively.
