With PQDT Open, you can read the full text of open access dissertations and theses free of charge.
About PQDT Open
Search
The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of patients with ostomies participating in support groups. Fifteen participants with different types of ostomies, who participate in monthly support groups, were recruited from the State of Georgia using purposive sampling. The number of years these participants have had ostomies ranged from six months to 60 years. Open-ended interview questions were used to explore the lived experiences and the meaning of these experiences while participating in support groups. Data analysis consisted of thematic analysis using Parse’s method. NVivo, a research assisted computer software, was used to facilitate multiple coding. The findings from this study revealed details of the lived experiences from the prospective of the individuals involved in the experience. Four central themes emerged from the data. These were: Support groups give hope and change lives, Changes in Body Image, I am not alone, and Being independent. Gaining understanding of the four themes as they illustrated the participants’ perspective of participating in a support group added meaningful information for nursing and other health-care provider’s body of knowledge. This is also true for the decision makers of individuals undergoing ostomy construction with regard to the care needed post-construction. The findings also fills the gap on the topic of the experiences of ostomy patients before their participation in a support group for health care professionals and should instruct their practice with regard to the education of the patients.
Advisor: | Nelson, Francine |
Commitee: | Beck-Little, Rebecca, Santiague, Lilia |
School: | University of Phoenix |
Department: | Advanced Studies |
School Location: | United States -- Arizona |
Source: | DAI-B 80/06(E), Dissertation Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Nursing, Surgery |
Keywords: | |
Publication Number: | 10978562 |
ISBN: | 978-0-438-80386-2 |