Donna Byfield1. 1. Donna Byfield, PhD, RN-BC, CWON, Grady Memorial Hospital, Marietta, Georgia.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experiences of patients with ostomies participating in a support group. DESIGN: Qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological study. SUBJECT AND SETTING: Fifteen adults with different types of ostomies were recruited from support groups in the state of Georgia. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were digitally audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analyses of data were performed using Parse's 5-step thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four major themes and 10 subthemes emerged from the interviews: (1) theme 1-support group gives hope and changes lives, with 2 subthemes of increased knowledge and provided new knowledge and allows open communication; (2) theme 2-changes in body image had 2 subthemes, some things are different and everyone is the same; (3) theme 3-I am not alone resulted in 4 subthemes of feeling of belonging, willingness to be helped, being supported, and developing lifelong relationships; and (4) theme 4-being independent manifested 2 subthemes including confidence in rejoining society, and building confidence and decreased shame. CONCLUSION: We found that participation in an ostomy support group allowed individuals with ostomies to function at more advanced levels than they were before participating in the support group. The lived experiences were characterized by hope, willingness to live fully again, participating in different activities, and making new friends. Participants shared their positive experiences with others who were experiencing the same problems they once experienced. These findings add to and support the body of knowledge related to the interactions between nurses and individuals with ostomies as well as the care needed to ensure a safe discharge from the acute care facility. New knowledge gained may help in the improvement of the education provided during hospitalization. Providing this information will equip patients and families with a better understanding of and methods to care for their new ostomies and develop an acceptance of their new health status.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experiences of patients with ostomies participating in a support group. DESIGN: Qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological study. SUBJECT AND SETTING: Fifteen adults with different types of ostomies were recruited from support groups in the state of Georgia. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were digitally audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analyses of data were performed using Parse's 5-step thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four major themes and 10 subthemes emerged from the interviews: (1) theme 1-support group gives hope and changes lives, with 2 subthemes of increased knowledge and provided new knowledge and allows open communication; (2) theme 2-changes in body image had 2 subthemes, some things are different and everyone is the same; (3) theme 3-I am not alone resulted in 4 subthemes of feeling of belonging, willingness to be helped, being supported, and developing lifelong relationships; and (4) theme 4-being independent manifested 2 subthemes including confidence in rejoining society, and building confidence and decreased shame. CONCLUSION: We found that participation in an ostomy support group allowed individuals with ostomies to function at more advanced levels than they were before participating in the support group. The lived experiences were characterized by hope, willingness to live fully again, participating in different activities, and making new friends. Participants shared their positive experiences with others who were experiencing the same problems they once experienced. These findings add to and support the body of knowledge related to the interactions between nurses and individuals with ostomies as well as the care needed to ensure a safe discharge from the acute care facility. New knowledge gained may help in the improvement of the education provided during hospitalization. Providing this information will equip patients and families with a better understanding of and methods to care for their new ostomies and develop an acceptance of their new health status.