Self-care independence for stoma and challenges for gastrointestinal ostomy patients preparing for discharge

Abstract

　　Objective: To investigate factors and challenges related to establishing selfcare in gastrointestinal ostomy patients
　Methods: The patient demographics and stoma attributes of gastrointestinal ostomy patients were retrospectively investigated. Patients were classified into a “selfcare group,” “semi-selfcare group（emptying pouch only）,” and “full care group” in descending order of ostomy selfcare acquisition at discharge.
　Results: One hundred thirty-six patients were included. The characteristics of patients who did not demonstrate selfcare acquisition, including advanced age, delirium, dementia, end stoma, permanent stoma, and no episode of leakage stemming from a peristomal crease, were collected. Family and medical support status was extracted using multinomial logistic regression analysis.
　Conclusion: The key issues in promoting the acquisition of selfcare by ostomy patients may include having a support system containing a key person and primary caregiver early after the decision to perform surgery and providing early rehabilitation and individualized goal-setting for ostomy care.