A qualitative study on self-management experience of patients with colostomy after colon cancer surgery based on Watson's caring theory

Objective To explore the self-management experience and needs of patients with colostomies after colon cancer surgery based on the Watson's caring theory framework and qualitative research methods.

Methods Twenty patients with colostomies after colon cancer surgery were selected, and data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews (60 to 90 minutes every time). The interview content covered self-management experiences, influencing factors, and needs. The Colaizzi qualitative phenomenological analysis method was used to code the data and extract themes.

Results Five core themes were identified in this study: ① dual physiological and psychological distress; ② limited self-management knowledge, skills, and lifestyle; ③ expectations for professional and continuous guidance and attention from healthcare providers; ④ need for understanding and support from family and society; ⑤ economic constraints on the quality of self-management.

Conclusion This study reveals multiple dilemmas in the self-management of patients with colostomies after colon cancer surgery, analyzes various factors affecting their self-management abilities, and clarifies patients' urgent needs for comprehensive and humanistic nursing services.