Lived experiences of preoperative psychological preparation and support for individuals who have undergone stoma surgery: A reflexive thematic analysis

Stoma surgery is life changing operation with substantial impacts on psychological wellbeing. This study aimed to understand experiences of psychological preparation and support received prior to stoma surgery and identify opportunities to improve existing preoperative models of care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants who were living with, or had previously lived with, a stoma, and the data analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were developed: Practical but Not Psychological Support; Preparing for a New Normal; Learning to Live with Stoma; and The Mental Load of Living with a Stoma. While practical support was commonly provided, professional psychological support was desired but rarely offered. There is a need to enhance professional psychological support in the preoperative period for stoma surgery and earlier to enhance surgical readiness and postoperative psychological adaptation. Further research is needed to guide the development of clear guidelines for psychological preparation and support.