OBJECTIVE: Intestinal stomas (ostomies) create challenges for veterans. The goal of this qualitative analysis was to understand better patients' perspectives regarding their greatest challenge. METHODS: Ostomates at three Veterans Affairs locations were surveyed using the modified City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy questionnaire that contained an open-ended request for respondents to describe their greatest challenge. The response rate was 51% (239 of 467); 68% (163 of 239) completed the open-ended item. Content analysis was performed by an experienced qualitative research team. RESULTS: Coping and acceptance were the most commonly addressed themes. The most frequently expressed issues and advice were related to a need for positive thinking and insight regarding adjustment over time. Coping strategies included the use of humor, recognition of positive changes resulting from the stoma, and normalization of life with an ostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Coping and acceptance are common themes described by veterans with an intestinal stoma. Health-care providers can assist veterans by utilizing ostomate self-management strategies, experience, and advice.
OBJECTIVE:Intestinal stomas (ostomies) create challenges for veterans. The goal of this qualitative analysis was to understand better patients' perspectives regarding their greatest challenge. METHODS: Ostomates at three Veterans Affairs locations were surveyed using the modified City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy questionnaire that contained an open-ended request for respondents to describe their greatest challenge. The response rate was 51% (239 of 467); 68% (163 of 239) completed the open-ended item. Content analysis was performed by an experienced qualitative research team. RESULTS: Coping and acceptance were the most commonly addressed themes. The most frequently expressed issues and advice were related to a need for positive thinking and insight regarding adjustment over time. Coping strategies included the use of humor, recognition of positive changes resulting from the stoma, and normalization of life with an ostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Coping and acceptance are common themes described by veterans with an intestinal stoma. Health-care providers can assist veterans by utilizing ostomate self-management strategies, experience, and advice.
Authors: Virginia Sun; Marcia Grant; Christopher S Wendel; Carmit K McMullen; Joanna E Bulkley; Andrea Altschuler; Michelle Ramirez; Carol M Baldwin; Lisa J Herrinton; Mark C Hornbrook; Robert S Krouse Journal: Ann Surg Oncol Date: 2015-07-10 Impact factor: 5.344
Authors: Mark C Hornbrook; Martha D Cobb; Nancy J Tallman; Janice Colwell; Ruth McCorkle; Elizabeth Ercolano; Marcia Grant; Virginia Sun; Christopher S Wendel; Judith H Hibbard; Robert S Krouse Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2017-12-07 Impact factor: 3.894
Authors: Virginia Sun; Marcia Grant; Carmit K McMullen; Andrea Altschuler; M Jane Mohler; Mark C Hornbrook; Lisa J Herrinton; Carol M Baldwin; Robert S Krouse Journal: J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs Date: 2013 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 1.741
Authors: Robert S Krouse; Marcia Grant; Ruth McCorkle; Christopher S Wendel; Martha D Cobb; Nancy J Tallman; Elizabeth Ercolano; Virginia Sun; Judith H Hibbard; Mark C Hornbrook Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2016-01-25 Impact factor: 3.894