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Abstract

Aim To describe the supports that are important to people in the early weeks after stoma surgery and explore participants' thoughts and feelings about these supports. Design A consumer-researcher co-design approach was used to design and undertake a qualitative patient interview study among people who have had stoma surgery. People who had an existing stoma were trained as co-researchers to work alongside the clinician researcher. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with consenting participants 6-8 weeks after stoma surgery. Thematic data analysis was conducted by the research team using Braun, Clarke\citealpbib1 six step-phase reflexive thematic analysis, members of the team initially working independently of each other to enhance reflexivity. Themes were finalised by the research team together. Results Four key themes recognising support preferences for people after stoma surgery were identified. The role of the stoma nurse was acknowledged as well as other people: partner, family and friends. Peer support via having a role model and via a support group were found to be enablers to adjustment in the early days. Physical recovery and oncological commitments (for those requiring this) appeared to delay support access. With looking forward to the future came a level of acceptance with the stoma and for some, anticipation of stoma reversal. Conclusions Peer support as well as close family and other relationships are key to adjustment after stoma formation. The role and importance of peer support should be further explored as we continue to seek to positively develop more effective and patient-focused support services.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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