Development of a self-care competence assessment form for the person with an intestinal stoma

Abstract

Background: An intestinal stoma implies multiple and significant changes that tend to be overcome through the development of ostomy self-care skills. The identification of the patient’s specific needs during this adaptation process will help nurses’ decision-making and contribute to a rigorous nursing diagnosis process, thus improving the quality and continuity of care delivery to this population group. Objectives: To develop an instrument for assessing the self-care competence of the person with an intestinal stoma. Methodology: Methodological study consisting of the development of a form. Content validity was ensured by expert review using a focus group. The form was applied to a convenience sample of 180 participants. Results: A form was developed with 45 measurement indicators divided into 6 domains. It showed very good internal consistency (overall Cronbach’s alpha > .90) and solid content validity. Conclusion: The form proved to be a reliable and easy to use method to assess the development of self-care competence in people with an intestinal stoma.