Communication Intervention for Fecal Ostomy Surgery

Last updated: July 1, 2025
Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital
Overall Status: Active - Not Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Surgery

Treatment

Communication Intervention for fecal ostomy surgery

Clinical Study ID

NCT06320002
2023P003564
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

In this study the investigators will evaluate the acceptability of a communication intervention for fecal ostomy surgery (CI-oSurg) to address the needs of adults who are undergoing fecal ostomy surgery. The investigators will recruit 24 patients and 4 clinicians (surgical nurses, wound ostomy nurses). At least half of patients are 65 years or older to understand the unique needs of older adults recovering from fecal ostomy surgery that might impact intervention acceptability. Questionnaires will be administered at two time-points for patient participants: upon study start and 4 weeks after exposure to the intervention.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Age 18 or older

  2. English fluency and literacy

  3. Patient planned to undergo elective fecal ostomy surgery

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Deemed inappropriate by the surgery team

  2. Unable to provide consent due to severe cognitive impairment or physiologic status (septic shock/intubated)

Study Design

Total Participants: 28
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Communication Intervention for fecal ostomy surgery
Phase:
Study Start date:
June 13, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
June 30, 2025

Study Description

In this study the investigators are trying to understand the feasibility and acceptability of a psychologically informed communication guide for fecal ostomy Surgery with the overall goal of improving biopsychosocial outcomes of patients undergoing fecal ostomy surgery.

An estimated 100,000 people in the US undergo fecal ostomy surgery (colostomy or ileostomy) each year, frequently to address severe symptoms (i.e., obstruction, perforation, and incontinence) due to colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Complication rates after fecal ostomy surgery are high (up to 37%) with negative effects on patient and family quality of life. Surgeons do not traditionally identify and address health outcomes patients with serious illness prioritize when making treatment decisions, such as caregiver burden, loss of independence and psychosocial function. Communicating this information is key to address patient anxiety when facing major surgery and ensure caregiver preparedness among patients and families considering fecal ostomy surgery.

Current surgical guidelines support the use of preoperative communication and education interventions to improve psychosocial adjustment after fecal ostomy surgery based on expert opinion. However, little evidence exists evaluating the impact of communication interventions or content needs of patients undergoing fecal ostomy surgery or their family. Despite these guidelines, a recent study notes that inadequate ostomy education remains a frequent concern among patients undergoing fecal ostomy surgery. Furthermore, patients' perception of inadequate education is associated with poor emotional, social, and marital outcomes after surgery. There is a critical need to address this deficit in communication quality between patients undergoing fecal ostomy surgery, their family, and surgical care providers. Our guiding hypothesis is that development of a Communication Intervention for fecal ostomy Surgery (CI-oSurg) is acceptable to patients and clinicians, and will ultimately reduce patient distress and improve quality of life.

Connect with a study center

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts 02114
    United States

    Site Not Available

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