For individuals navigating life after cancer with an ostomy, the journey often involves significant adjustments to their daily routines and overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Many cancer survivors with ostomies face challenges in self-management, often resorting to trial-and-error methods to improve their condition and well-being. Recognizing this critical need, a structured approach to ostomy self-care is essential to empower these individuals and enhance their post-cancer lives.
A groundbreaking pilot study explored the effectiveness of a five-session ostomy self-care curriculum grounded in the Chronic Care Model. This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the impact of this program on improving both HRQOL and self-management skills among cancer survivors living with ostomies. The research provides compelling evidence for the benefits of such programs and highlights the potential for widespread implementation to support this patient population.
The study employed a one-group design, tracking participants’ progress over time. Individuals enrolled in the program participated in five structured sessions focused on ostomy self-management. To gauge the program’s effectiveness, researchers utilized a range of validated instruments administered at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up. These tools included the Patient Activation Measure (PAM), self-efficacy scales, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Ways of Coping questionnaire, the Group Health Association of America Satisfaction with ostomy care survey, and the City of Hope Quality of Life Ostomy questionnaire. This comprehensive approach allowed for a thorough assessment of various aspects of patient well-being and self-management capabilities. Furthermore, participant feedback was actively solicited after each session through surveys, providing valuable qualitative data to enrich the quantitative findings. Text responses were carefully coded and analyzed to identify recurring themes and recommendations for program refinement.
A total of thirty-eight individuals participated in this pivotal study. The majority of participants had a history of either rectal cancer (60.5%) or bladder cancer (28.9%), highlighting the relevance of ostomy care for survivors of these common cancer types. The program received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, with overall program ratings consistently high, ranging from 4.4 to 4.8 on a 5-point scale. Qualitative feedback from participants underscored the value of group forums, suggesting a desire for larger group sizes to foster peer support and shared learning. Participants also expressed a strong interest in more hands-on training opportunities to enhance their practical skills in ostomy self-care.
The quantitative data analysis revealed significant and sustained improvements across multiple key outcome measures. Notably, patient activation scores demonstrated a marked increase (p = 0.0004), indicating that participants became more proactive and engaged in managing their own health. Self-efficacy, or the belief in one’s ability to succeed in specific situations, also significantly improved (p = 0.006), empowering participants to confidently manage their ostomy care. Furthermore, participants experienced significant enhancements in their total HRQOL scores (p = 0.01), encompassing physical well-being (p = 0.005) and social well-being (p = 0.002). These findings collectively demonstrate the holistic benefits of the self-management program, positively impacting both the physical and psychosocial aspects of survivors’ lives. Anxiety levels among survivors were also significantly reduced by the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.047), indicating a lasting positive effect on emotional well-being.
The findings of this pilot study strongly support the conclusion that a structured self-management ostomy program, based on the Chronic Care Model, offers substantial benefits for cancer survivors adapting to life with a stoma. The program’s success in improving patient activation, self-efficacy, HRQOL, and reducing anxiety underscores its potential to address the multifaceted needs of this population. The study’s authors advocate for the implementation of such programs within community settings, emphasizing the potential to reach and support a large number of cancer survivors. By integrating chronic care principles into ostomy self-management education, healthcare providers can empower survivors to confidently navigate their post-cancer journey and achieve optimal well-being.
