Date of Award

Spring 1980

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the major concerns of new colostomy patients prior to discharge from the hospital. The Major Concern Rating and Ranking Scale developed by the researcher was given to ten new colostomy patients. The subjects were instructed to rate each of the colostomy related items on a four point Likert-type scale ranging from major concern to no concern. Those items identified by the patient as being of major concern were then rank ordered by the patient. The results showed none of the items rated were considered major concerns by, the majority of subjects in the study. The inconsistent findings of this study could have been due to the small sample size of ten subjects and differences in perceived major concerns by patients who are currently hospitalized with initial colostomies as opposed to those who have had an opportunity to live with their colostomies in the home setting. The findings reinforce the importance of the nurse in assessing and addressing major concerns of the new colostomy patient before discharge and directing him to appropriate community resources after the patient goes home.

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