Experiences and Perceptions in Dyads about Ostomy Care. Meta-synthesis of Qualitative Studies.
Mónica Paola Quemba Mesa, Jenny Katherine Diaz Fernández, Leidy Yemile Vargas Rodríguez and 2 others
PMID 36264700WHAT IT FOUND
People with permanent ostomies and their caregivers described learning stoma care together, moving from fear to independence, while body image and sex life remained a source of distress.
Key findings
01Dyads described learning stoma care through trust and emotional support, moving toward independence in self-care.
02Caregiving involved mixed emotions, including fear, resignation, frustration and exhaustion, alongside positive coping, gratitude and spiritual support.
03Changes in body image and sexual functioning were major concerns, with fear of partner rejection and difficulty with intimacy.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The paper synthesizes qualitative experiences, so it does not test whether any ostomy-care approach works. It included only adults with permanent discharge ostomies and informal caregivers, so it may not apply to children or temporary ostomies. Many primary studies had incomplete reporting and methodological shortcomings, and only a small number of suitable studies were found. The evidence comes from selected qualitative studies in several countries, so experiences may differ across health systems and cultures.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat the meta-theme as evidence that a particular ostomy-care programme works. It reports experiences and perceptions from qualitative studies, not measured outcomes.