Look - An exploratory-descriptive study of inflammatory bowel disease patient's experiences of post-operative care.
Citation
(2016) Look - An exploratory-descriptive
study of inflammatory bowel disease
patient's experiences of post-operative
care..
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease is a collective term used to describe Ulcerative Colitis
and Crohn's disease. Inflammatory bowel disease impacts individual's day to day
life, work, social life and relationships. There is an abundance of information on
physical aspects of managing IBD. However, there is a dearth of literature identifying
the psychological and psychosocial impacts inflammatory bowel disease has on
individuals. Psychological and psychosocial factors impact a person's perception of
their body image. Having a chronic illness such as inflammatory bowel disease
creates a feeling of uncertainty especially if an individual is experiencing an
exacerbation. Surgical intervention to manage IBD may result in stoma formation;
this can have an even greater impact on how the individual perceives their illness
and body image. Research has identified that effective pre/post-operative support
and good patient education helps the individual to perceive their condition and body
image in a more positive way.
The purpose of this study is to explore the psychological and social support available
to patients with IBD post stoma formation. The study will explore patient experiences
of psychological and psychosocial care given by nurses post-operatively. This study
will pay particular attention to how inflammatory bowel disease impacts a patient's
quality of life, body image, relationships and psychological wellbeing. Being faced
with the decision to undergo stoma surgery can be challenging and life changing for
patients.
Over a period of six months, twenty-five participants will be invited to take part in this
study. Semi-structured interviews will be used to gather data regarding patient
experiences of post-operative care. Qualitative data will be gathered and analysed to
reveal the experiences including thoughts, feelings and perceptions of care.
The findings from this study will be utilised to educate nurses on post-operative
psychological and psychosocial support, thus improving the care delivered to IBD
patients.