Authors (including presenting author) :
CHAN WT(1), KAM KW(1), CHENG YS(1), Chris Chong (2), LI YS (3) Chung SP(3)
Affiliation :
1)Patient Resources Centre, NTWC
2)Department of surgery, TMH
3)Stoma and Wound Care Nursing Team, NTWC
Introduction :
Patients who undergo stoma surgery are at an increased risk of early readmission. The prevalence of re-admission rate for patients related to stoma complication is high, especially ileostomy creation is 25-30%. Reasons for readmission following fecal diversion include but not limited to dehydration, peristomal skin complications and stoma outlet obstruction. Studies concluded peer-led intervention has a positive effect on improving patients’ stoma care, quality of life and decreased unnecessary hospital visitation. In this regard, there is a growing need to enhance peer support to post-discharged patients with stoma. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of a patient support group with the support of clinical team on the health and self-management outcomes of these patients.
Objectives :
The program aims to equip patients with stoma self-care management skill; promote peer support; and facilitate community re-integration.
Methodology :
Patients were recruited from Tuen Mun Hospital and Pok Oi Hospital. Inclusion criteria consisted of new stoma formation after surgical treatment. Participants would receive a series of services collaborated with the patient group of stoma and clinical team. The support includes ward visit conducted by volunteers from patient support group of stoma and a social worker, empowerment talks organized by Stoma & Wound care specialist, physiotherapist, dietitian, a series of social activities and peer support sessions (with topics on tips of stoma self-care knowledge, healthy diet, wound care, exercises, HA Go) organized by patient support group of stoma. A satisfaction survey was conducted. Outcome measures were categorized as follows: (1) stoma care-related knowledge, (2) perception of social support, (3) self-efficacy in health management, and (4) satisfaction of participants.
Result & Outcome :
From Apr 2023 to Dec 2024, a total of 102 eligible patients were enrolled in the study. The results indicated significant agreement to increased stoma care-related knowledge, perception of social support, and self-efficacy in health management. Specifically, there was a 100% agreement in stoma care-related knowledge, perception of social support, and self-efficacy. The findings demonstrate the beneficial impact of the peer support intervention in improving individuals' knowledge related to stoma care-related knowledge, perception of social support, and self-efficacy in managing their own health.
