The Journey of Jim’s Acceptance Following Stoma Surgery

*The case study presented is based on real patient experience; identifying details have been anonymised to protect patient confidentiality.

Authors: Sharon Leighton, Stoma Care Nurse, SecuriCare Medical and Moira Evans, Clinical Marketing Manager, Welland Medical.
Clinical Need: Jim struggled with self-esteem and self-efficacy issues relating to his stoma pouch.
Care Pathway: Aura® Plus Drainable.

Patients face significant challenges as they adapt to life with a stoma, not only because of the physical recovery but issues relating to psychological acceptance and lifestyle changes. Stoma Care Nurses (SCNs) play a crucial role in supporting patients through this process, from pre-operative assessment to ongoing post-surgery care.

This case study explores the journey of Jim’s acceptance following stoma surgery. Personalised nursing intervention helped Jim to improve his wellbeing and quality of life. His SCN recommended a stoma pouch tailored to his needs of discretion, helping Jim restore his confidence and increasing his satisfaction and acceptance of his pouch.

Patient assessment

While Jim’s surgical recovery was unremarkable, Jim struggled with self-esteem and self-efficacy issues related to his stoma pouch, particularly on his return to work as a heating engineer. Jim was worried about whether his customers could see the pouch, leading to feelings of embarrassment, worry and a loss of confidence.

Clinical need

Patients undergoing stoma formation, like Jim, often face psychological challenges such as anxiety and embarrassment related to the visibility of their pouch. Jim was worried about his customers noticing his stoma pouch which affected his confidence at work.

The discreet, black design of the Aura Plus stoma pouch helped to alleviate these concerns, restoring Jim’s confidence and easing his anxiety. The need for discreet, secure stoma products like Aura Plus is vital for improving patients’ psychological wellbeing. By offering a comfortable, flexible fit, it supports patients in resuming daily activities and work with confidence.

Care pathway

Jim was supported through this process by his SCN, Sharon, who addressed both his physical and psychological needs. During their interactions, Jim highlighted his concerns over the potential visibility of his stoma pouch while at work, describing it as a “medical bag”. To help Jim regain his confidence and alleviate any concerns, Sharon suggested trying the Aura Plus stoma pouch, which is available in black. The black outer material was chosen as this was felt to be less conspicuous, especially given the clothing Jim wears to work. This recommendation was made to ease Jim’s anxiety about the pouch being noticed by others, especially at work. Jim was happy about the choice of a black stoma pouch, especially because he had previously tried a Welland stoma pouch with positive results.

Clinical outcome

When following up with Jim two weeks later, Sharon noted that Jim’s tone of voice had changed. He appeared to be excited by the black pouch, explaining how he liked the looks of it and felt that it was less noticeable. He said “I know it’s not a fashion statement, but this one is loads nicer. It looks much better, less conspicuous”. Jim felt more confident wearing it, and Sharon observed improvements in Jim’s wellbeing and psychological acceptance of his need to wear a stoma pouch. Jim also felt that the flange and pouch moved with his body, providing a secure fit, especially when he bent and twisted into different positions in his work as a heating engineer. This offered him a greater sense of security.

Overview

This case study demonstrates the impact of personalised nursing care on patient quality of life. By addressing both the practical and psychological aspects of stoma care, Jim was able to regain his confidence and return to his usual daily activities and lifestyle.

This example highlights the important role that SCNs have in providing holistic care, supporting patients’ overall wellbeing as well as the physical aspects of stoma care.

The nursing intervention of recommending a black stoma pouch gave Jim the confidence to resume his usual lifestyle, not as a stoma patient, but as Jim himself.