Management of intestinal stomas: knowledge of the caregiver

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20184204823844

Abstract

A patient with a stoma and the caregiver face daily challenges in adapting the stoma and its accessories, requiring professional support to handle the difficulties. This study aimed to describe the knowledge of the caregiver of patients with a stoma on the management of the condition. This study had an exploratory, descriptive, and quantitative approach that was developed with 134 caregivers of patients with stomas through a semi-structured questionnaire. Regarding the knowledge variables, 59.7% said that the stoma was created due to a disease (cancer). Most of the caregivers had correct answers regarding aspects related to the natural aspects of the stoma. The primary responses regarding adjuvants for the elimination of intestinal stomas were that most caregivers (56%) were unaware of these products. When the interviewees were questioned about the specific knowledge of some products, the percentage of negative responses ranged from 70 to 85.8%. Regarding the correct management of stomas, most of them do not have the essential knowledge to provide quality care. It is necessary to develop educational interventions, such as the preparation and validation of booklets, training workshops, and conversation wheels to increase the knowledge of caregivers regarding the correct management of the stomas and to involve them in the process of caring for safety and autonomy.