title: Psychological impact of colostomy pouch change and disposal.
abstract: This article presents some of the findings from a multicentre cross-sectional correlational study to evaluate the relationship between colostomy pouch change and disposal practices and the patient's psychological wellbeing. Five questionnaires were used in a one-off interview with 86 patients. Patients were assessed at between one and four months postoperatively. Results from the Pouch Change and Disposal questionnaire showed that only 25% of patients found disposal of used appliances the most difficult part of their pouch change and disposal routine. Half felt that their body was out of their control and 33% reported avoiding social and leisure activities due to what was involved in their pouch change and disposal routine. Patients cited several factors, such as minimizing odour and having an appliance that could flush away, as factors which would help them to stop avoiding these activities. Stoma care nurses have a unique opportunity to improve the psychological wellbeing of their patients by considering the aspects of pouch change and disposal that pose the greatest challenge to individuals. Use of a modified version of the Pouch Change and Disposal questionnaire may be a useful tool in identifying those at risk of impaired quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Glasgow Royal Infirmary, UK.
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: McKenzie
authors.forename: Craig A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kendall
authors.forename: Aileen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Finlayson
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Urquhart
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D003125:Colostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007899:Leisure Activities; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009812:Odorants; D011788:Quality of Life; D012606:Scotland; D012648:Self Care / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D017744:Medical Waste Disposal