References

Cengiz B, Bahar Z Perceived barriers and home care needs when adapting to a fecal ostomy: a phenomenological study. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2017; 44:(1)63-68 https://doi.org/10.1097/won.0000000000000271

Gonzalez ER, del Pino Zurita C, Caballero GA, Rodríguez AH, Rodríguez EZ, Blázquez EG Impact of convex ostomy appliances on leakage frequency, peristomal skin health and stomal protrusion. Gastroenterol Nurs. 2021; 19:(9)S30-S37 https://doi.org/10.12968/gasn.2021.19.Sup9.S30

Krogsgaard M, Kristensen HØ, Furnée E Life with a stoma across five European countries – a cross-sectional study on long-term rectal cancer survivors. Supportive care in cancer. BJS Open. 2022; 6:(6) https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07293-y

Liu C, Bhat S, Sharma P, Yuan L, O'Grady G, Bissett I Risk factors for readmission with dehydration after ileostomy formation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Colorectal Dis. 2021; 23:(5)1071-1082 https://doi.org/10.1111/codi.15566

Mitchell A, England C, Perry R, Lander T, Shingler E, Searle A, Atkinson C Dietary management for people with an ileostomy: a scoping review. JBI Evid Synth. 2021; 19:(9)2188-2306 https://doi.org/10.11124/JBIES-20-00377

Ratliff CR, Goldberg M, Jaszarowski K, McNichol L, Pittman J, Gray M Peristomal skin health: a WOCN society consensus conference. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2021; 48:(3)219-231 https://doi.org/10.1097/won.0000000000000758

Steinhagen E, Colwell J, Cannon LM Intestinal stomas-postoperative stoma care and peristomal skin complications. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2017; 30:(3)184-192 https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1598159

Stelton S CE: stoma and peristomal skin care: a clinical review. Am J Nurs. 2019; 119:(6)38-45 https://doi.org/10.1097/01.naj.0000559781.86311.64

White M, Perrin A Stoma care specialist nursing: a guide for clinical practice, 1st edn. Switzerland: Springer; 2023

Stoma care

Barriers to adapting to life with a stoma

02 March 2025
Professional
02 March 2025
Volume 30 · Issue 3

Abstract

Adapting to life with a stoma presents various challenges, including physical, social and psychological barriers. A lack of confidence, inadequate knowledge and concerns about appliance management can impact a person's ability to live comfortably with a stoma. Community nurses play a vital role in supporting individuals by providing education, guidance on stoma care and signposting to relevant resources. Ensuring the correct stoma appliance, addressing peristomal skin issues, and encouraging physical activity and dietary adjustments are key aspects of care. Social reintegration is equally important, as fear of leakage or stigma can lead to isolation. Community nurses can help patients gradually regain confidence in daily activities. Specialist input from stoma care nurses is valuable for complex cases. By offering reassurance and practical advice, community nurses can facilitate a smoother transition, empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives post-stoma formation.

People living with stoma face many barriers as they try and adapt to life with a newly formed stoma. This article explores these issues to enable the community nurse to better assist people in the community living with a stoma.

There are three main types of output stoma: colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy (White and Perrin, 2023). A colostomy is formed from the colon and will usually pass flatus and thick, formed faeces once a day (Stelton, 2019). Thus, the most appropriate stoma appliance to use is a closed appliance. A closed appliance is usually replaced between three times a day and three times a week.

An ileostomy is formed from the ileum and will usually pass flatus and loose or porridge-like faeces. The average ileostomy output ranges from about 500–800 ml daily and requires the appliance to be emptied on average four to six times daily. Thus, the most common stoma appliance used is drainable with a velcro type fastening.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Community Nursing and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for district and community nurses. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Limited access to clinical or professional articles

  • New content and clinical newsletter updates each month

Register
Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address

adaptation
confidence
community nursing
output stoma
post-stoma care
psychological wellbeing