Living with a stoma: a review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review looks at the psychological and social impact of stoma surgery on peoples' lives.


BACKGROUND
The formation of a stoma can have a negative effect on a person's quality of life and affect lifestyle in a number of ways.


METHODS
The review examines nursing literature from 1990 to date and focuses on how stoma patients' lives are affected by the presence of a stoma. It informs nursing practice so nurses are better able to help individuals improve, maintain or recover their health following ostomy surgery.


RESULTS
The findings of the review indicate that stoma surgery can impact on individuals' lives in many different ways.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of the problems stoma patients can experience can help nurses plan care in an individualized way. Recommendations for nursing practice and future research are made.
Brown
Hannah
H
School of Nursing, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
Randle
Jacqueline
J
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010030:Ostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care; D012723:Sex; D012803:Sick Role; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D054047:Surgical Stomas / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000502:physiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires