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.