Supportive Communication to Facilitate Chinese Patients' Adaptation to a Permanent Colostomy: A Qualitative Case Study Approach.
This study, which is a part of action research, aims to explore how supportive communication can impact individuals' adaptation to a permanent colostomy in a Chinese cultural context. Two Chinese rectal cancer patients with complexity and difficulty in living with a permanent colostomy were selected using a qualitative case study approach. The researcher (H.T.) interacted with the participants along their journey from the preoperative period until the third postoperative month after discharge via face-to-face or telephone interviews. Content analysis was applied. Supportive communication was characterized by "communication as a supportive tool," which consisted of 4 elements: respect, description, empathy, and empowerment. The nursing strategies included (1) developing a collaborative relationship with patients and families; (2) understanding patients' concerns and problems; (3) discussing potential solutions; (4) encouraging patients to take action; (5) bringing out emotional expression; (6) normalizing negative emotions; and (7) protecting hope. The findings of this study informed that supportive communication is a valuable tool for nurses to provide informational and emotional support to Chinese patients in order to enhance their adaptation to living with a permanent colostomy. Developing an operational manual to enhance supportive communication for patients with colostomy is suggested.
Hui Tao, MPH, BSN, RN, is PhD candidate, Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, and is Lecturer, School of Nursing, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China. Praneed Songwathana, PhD, RN, is Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand. Sang-arun Isaramalai, PhD, RN, is Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand. Qingxi Wang, RN, is Enterostomal Therapist Nurse, Yunnan Tumor Hospital (Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming, Yunnan, China.
Hui
H
Tao
Praneed
P
Songwathana
Sang-Arun
SA
Isaramalai
Qingxi
Q
Wang
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People; D003125:Colostomy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support