Quality of life among ostomy patients: A narrative literature review

Aim and objective This study aims to identify and summarise factors related to ostomy patients' experiences and how these impact the perceived quality of life for those patients. Background Ostomy formation is a common therapeutic technique used to treat different colorectal diseases such as colorectal cancer. Although surgical intervention and ostomy formation may prolong a patient's life, it may cause many problems in their daily lifestyle and affect their quality of life. The surgical creation of an ostomy has a significant impacts on a patient's quality of life from multiple perspectives, including physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects. Design A narrative literature review, using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline). Methods This review analysis of search filters was conducted in the following databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL, Embase, ProQuest, Science Direct, Scopus, and PsycINFO. A validation data set of 283 research articles between January 2000 and December 2019 were used to identify the impact of stoma surgery on patients' quality of life. Result Thirty-seven studies were identified as suitable for inclusion in this literature review. The results of the review indicate that quality of life (QoL) in patients who have an ostomy is influenced by many modifiable factors. Exercise, preoperative stoma site identification, family support, maintenance of social networks, education, spirituality and financial stability are all potentially modifiable factors that can improve the QOL for ostomy patients. Conclusion This review has identified multiple challenges that ostomy patients experience, which were clustered according to physical, psychological, social and spiritual challenges. Relevance to clinical practice This study identifies issues associated with stoma creation and can help in planning and providing the required nursing care which may assist in the reduction of predictable challenges. Recommendations for future research related to nursing practice are stated.