The treatment experiences of people living with ileostomies: an interpretative phenomenological analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to explore treatment and healthcare experiences of people living with ileostomies, so nurses can build on best practice while caring for these patients.


BACKGROUND
Ileostomies, where the small intestine is re-directed out of a stoma in the abdominal wall so waste is collected using a bag, are used to treat conditions including inflammatory bowel disease. Existing research suggests that although life with a stoma can be challenging, ileostomy patients are largely supported by multi-disciplinary teams. However, more research is needed to understand the nuances of these relationships and experiences of treatment, with a view to improving clinical care.


METHODS
Participants took part in semi-structured interviews consisting of open-ended questions about their experiences of life with an ileostomy and their treatments and time in hospital. Points of interest were followed up. Data were collected between July-December of 2014.


METHODS
The qualitative method interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse interviews with 21 people living with ileostomies.


RESULTS
We present findings from two clinical themes: Issues around treatment and Relationships with multi-disciplinary teams. Surgical complications were common and several participants reported concerns about addiction to painkillers. Varying attitudes were found around reversal surgery. Many reported experiencing distressing, dehumanizing care, while some felt supported by excellent healthcare providers.


CONCLUSIONS
People living with ileostomies have a very mixed experience of multi-disciplinary teams and treatments and much could be done to support them more fully. For example, more information about ileostomies could be given to patients and more training given to nurses around stomas.
University of Hull, UK. Johanna.spiers@gmail.com.
Johanna
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3935-1997
J
Spiers
Birkbeck, University of London, UK.
Jonathan A
JA
Smith
York Teaching Hospital, UK.
Phillip
P
Simpson
University of Hull, UK.
Adam R
AR
Nicholls
D001294:Attitude to Health; D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D007081:Ileostomy / Q000451:nursing*; D009732:Nursing Care; D054047:Surgical Stomas
chronic illness; health psychology; nursing; patient perspectives; phenomenology; qualitative approaches; stoma care