MOBILE EDUCATION AND COMFORT IN OSTOMY PATIENTS

Purpose of the Study

This study aims to understand whether a mobile education program can improve comfort levels in people living with a stoma. A stoma is a surgical opening created on the abdomen to allow stool or urine to leave the body. Living with a stoma can affect daily life in many ways, including physical comfort, emotional well-being, social life, and the home environment.

The education program used in this study is based on Kolcaba's Comfort Theory. This theory focuses on comfort as a whole and includes physical, emotional, social, and environmental aspects of a person's life. The study will compare people who receive mobile education with those who receive standard hospital care only.

Who Can Take Part

Adults aged 18 years and older who are scheduled to have colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy surgery may take part in this study. Participants must be able to communicate in Turkish, read and understand written information, and agree to join the study voluntarily.

People with severe cognitive problems, serious communication difficulties, or major vision or hearing problems will not be included.

What Will Happen in the Study

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

Mobile Education Group

Standard Care Group

Both groups will receive routine care provided by the hospital.

Participants in the mobile education group will also receive access to a mobile application designed specifically for people with a stoma. This application includes:

Easy-to-understand information about stoma care

Animated educational videos showing step-by-step stoma care practices

Guidance on skin care, pouch changing, and hygiene

Information on common problems and when to seek medical help

Reminders to support daily stoma care routines

The mobile application can be used on smartphones and does not include diagnosis or treatment. It is for education and support only.

Participants in the standard care group will receive usual hospital education and care. After the study is completed, they will also be offered the mobile education program.

What Participants Will Be Asked to Do

All participants will be asked to answer questionnaires that measure comfort levels at several time points:

Before surgery

One day after surgery

Fifteen days after discharge (by phone)

One month after surgery (during a clinic visit)

Participants in the mobile education group will be shown how to use the application and may use it as often as they wish. Researchers may contact participants to ask about their experience using the app and to identify any difficulties.

Possible Benefits

Participants may gain better understanding of stoma care and feel more confident managing daily life with a stoma. The mobile education program may help reduce discomfort, support emotional well-being, and improve overall quality of life.

The results of this study may help healthcare professionals develop better education tools and support programs for people living with a stoma.

Risks and Safety

This study does not involve experimental medical treatments. The mobile application provides education only. Personal data will not be collected through the app, and all information will be kept confidential. Participants may leave the study at any time without affecting their medical care.

Why This Study Is Important

Access to stoma care education can be limited due to time constraints, staff availability, and hospital resources. Mobile education may provide an easy and accessible way for people to receive reliable information whenever they need it.

This study will help determine whether a comfort-focused mobile education program can support people living with a stoma and improve their overall comfort and well-being.