Nurses' Performance Regarding Safe Handling with Colostomy among Colorectal Cancer Patients in Intensive Care Units

Colostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the abdominal wall to divert the flow of stool from the colon to a stoma. Oncology ICU nurse can play a clinically relevant role in the care of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with colostomy especially post-operatively. Aim: This study aimed to assess the nurses' performance regarding safe handling with colostomy among colorectal cancer patients in intensive care units. Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was used to achieve the aim of the current study. Setting: The study was carried out in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) at Qena Oncology Center, Ministry of Health. Subjects: A convenient sample was used including 50 nurses who are caring for colorectal cancer patients. Tools: Firstly, nurse’ personal characteristics and knowledge assessment regarding CRC and colostomy care. Secondly, An observational checklist of colostomy care. Thirdly, nurses' attitudes regarding safe handling with colostomy among CRC patients in ICU (Likert Scale). Results: Majority of ICU nurses (88 %) had unsatisfactory level of knowledge regarding CRC disease and colostomy care, majority of ICU nurses (86 %) had incompetent level of practice and more than half of ICU nurses (56 %) had a positive attitude regarding colostomy care. Conclusion: The study found that a significant relation between knowledge and practice, while there was no significant relation with attitude and no correlation between nurses’ practice and attitude. Recommendations: Regularly review and update guidelines, policies, and procedures regarding safe handling with colostomy among CRC patients in intensive care units.