부산대학교 도서관

Background Parastomal hernia (PSH) development is the most common long-term stomal complication. Support garments are often recommended for prevention of PSH; however, such recommendations can be inconsistent. This study identified perceptions and experiences of stomal therapy nurses' (STNs) use of support garments for PSH prevention. Methods STNs completed an online survey between May and July 2021. Data were summarised by contingency tables and descriptive statistics for quantitative data, and by content analysis for qualitative data. Results A total of 87.6% of respondents reported no policies or procedures in their workplace regarding recommendation of support garments postoperatively. Most participants reported measuring patients for a support garment at first postoperative visit. A total of 83.5% did not consider current PSH prevention strategies in Australia to be adequate. When assessing for support garments, participants considered a range of factors, including biopsychosocial history, stoma position and patient compliance, and recommended bracing the abdomen when coughing/sneezing, no heavy lifting, and gentle exercises among other factors. Conclusions Australian STNs reported uncertainty regarding evidence of support garments assisting in PSH prevention, and most participants expressed that PSH prevention is not addressed adequately in Australia. A desire for evidence-based guidelines to support STNs' decision-making was evident.