Knowledge and practices of nursing professionals in caring for ostomates

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the knowledge and practices of nursing professionals in caring for people with colostomy bag. Method: a qualitative and descriptive study conducted with 21 nursing professionals from a General Surgery Unit. Data collection used triangulation of techniques, based on non-participant observation, analysis of nursing records, and semi-structured interviews. Analysis followed the spiral technique assumptions. Results: it was possible to comprehend the theoretical and scientific knowledge that subsidize practice; identify contradictions related to statement and care in the profession’s daily work and the intervening factors, which can facilitate and/or make the nursing care process difficult. Final considerations: knowledge and practices of professionals in caring for ostomates occur within work experiences, in which socialization of knowledge makes it possible to expand the perspectives of care.