Living with an ileostomy: a case study on the transition process

Abstract

Background: An ileostomy affects the person’s identity, lead-ing to a process of transition. The person’s response to transi-tion, as the subject of nursing study, should be explored, as well as the context in which the transition is experienced. Objective: To describe and understand the transition phe-nomenon experienced by a person with an ileostomy and di-agnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis, based on Afaf Meleis’ Transition Model. Methodology: An instrumental case study was conducted using the qualitative research paradigm. The case was selected through a convenience sampling strategy and data were col-lected through observation, analysis of the electronic nursing records, and semi-structured interviews. Results: The person and the context involved in the transition process are two non-recurring realities that influence its course. Conclusion: Afaf Meleis’ Transition Model allows understanding the transition process experienced by the ileostomy patient in terms of nature, conditions, and response patterns of transitions.