This webinar will endeavour to explore how having a stoma affects intimacy and sleep patterns, based on the presenter’s understanding of patient expectations before stoma-forming surgery, as well as their experiences after. Major surgery can have significant physical and psychological impacts on every aspect of a persons’ life, and this webinar aims to give specialist stoma care nurses the necessary confidence to address them.
Some of the most impactful changes involve alterations in a person’s body image, which can present major challenges to their self-confidence and intimate lives. Stoma care nurses need to be able to address this difficult topic. This begins with understanding that intimacy means different things to different people. The webinar will identify the value of building a therapeutic relationship with ostomates, and how listening to their experiences can provide an understanding of the importance of confidently and empathetically broaching this subject at a time of great change. It also will briefly cover the physical difficulties that can affect sleep pattern, describing how stoma nurses can understand and help ostomates overcome fear of leaks, a noisy stoma and anxiety when staying away from home to achieve a good night’s sleep.
The session will also present opportunities to hear the voices of those who are living with a stoma. These people will share their experiences to enable stoma care nurses to enhance their practice. The session will also emphasise the importance of communication, as well as of signposting ostomates to other clinicians and support networks, who can improve the everyday experience of life with a stoma.
To apply for CPD after watching on-demand, please email nurseledconferences@markallengroup.com