| Abstrakt: |
According to researchers, between 20% and 25% of patients with a stoma will experience significant psychological symptoms. With the trend of early discharge and the increasing numbers of patients requiring surgery, it is very easy for health professionals to focus on just the physical wellbeing. The inadvertent impact is serious. Are we failing to meet our patients' psychological needs? This paper will explore and discuss anxieties held by patients with a stoma, with a particular focus on body image, sexuality and how we as health professionals can support and empower patients on their health care journey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
