The treatment experiences of people living with ileostomies: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Spiers, Johanna; Smith, Jonathan A.; Simpson, Phillip; Nicholls, Adam R.

Abstract

Aims To explore treatment and healthcare experiences of people living with ileostomies, so nurses can build on best practice whilst caring for these patients. Background Ileostomies, in which 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. Design 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 and December of 2014. Methods The qualitative method Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse interviews with 21 people living with ileostomies. Findings 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, dehumanising care, whilst some felt supported by excellent healthcare providers. Conclusion 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.

Citation

Spiers, J., Smith, J. A., Simpson, P., & Nicholls, A. R. (2016). The treatment experiences of people living with ileostomies: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Journal of advanced nursing, 72(11), 2662-2671. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13018

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 24, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Jun 13, 2016
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Deposit Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 13, 2016
• Journal: Journal of advanced nursing
• Print ISSN: 0309-2402
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-2648
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 72
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 2662-2671
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13018
• Keywords: General Nursing
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/434989
• Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jan.13018/abstract;jsessionid=8BB302EC3C935C58C7731904BB946BCB.f01t01
• Additional Information: Authors' accepted manuscript of article : Spiers J., Smith J.A., Simpson P. & Nicholls A.R. (2016) The treatment experiences of people living with ileostomies: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing 72(11), 2662–2671. doi: 10.1111/jan.13018