The Importance of the Nursing Visit Prior to Intestinal Ostomy Placement

Abstract

Care of intestinal ostomy patients has shown that they frequently experience difficulties in accepting their new condition and lack knowledge about stoma care (or self-care). This situation emphasizes the importance of the preoperative nursing visit, that is, prior to intestinal ostomy placement, in order to encourage patients' acceptance of the ostomy, provide information about the surgical procedure, encourage patients' self-care, and prevent common complications related to stoma placement. This article discusses the importance of the nursing visit in this setting and describes essential aspects for humanized, comprehensive care. The methodology used to elaborate this systematization consisted of a literature review followed by critical analysis. The self-care theory and Orem's selfcare deficit theory were used as the theoretical basis. The aim is for the preoperative nursing visit to help improve patients' quality of life by orienting them in efficient self-care.