Exploration of patients and multidisciplinary point of view about the self-care needs of patients with a stoma: a qualitative study

Colorectal cancer patients with a stoma face various physical, psychological, and social challenges in self-care. Low self-efficacy, limited access to continuous education, and social stigma often hinder improvements in their quality of life. Identifying patients’ self-care needs is a crucial first step in designing digital-based interventions through the Stoma m-Health application. This study aims to explore the self-care needs of colorectal cancer patients with a stoma from the patient and healthcare worker perspectives as a basis for developing the stoma m-Health application. This study employed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews. Ten participants (six stoma patients and for healthcare providers) were selected through purposive sampling at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia. Data were collected via interview and analysed using the Husserian phenomenological approach. Research was maintained through rigor, trustworthiness dan credibilityrigor. Data analysis yielded seven main themes: (1) physical barriers to stoma care (pouch leakage, skin irritation) (2) limited self-care knowledge and skills (3), family support as a key factor (4), stigma and psychosocial barriers (5), the need for easy and continuous access to information (6), patient coping and adaptation strategies, and (7) the potential of digital technology as an educational media. This qualitative study revealed that patients with cancer and stoma face complex barriers to self-care, yet they also have the potential to strengthen their self-efficacy through digital educational support. While these findings provide a crucial foundation for developing a stoma m-Health application to enhance self-efficacy, it is essential to consider potential barriers, such as technological literacy and access disparities. Addressing these factors during development will help ensure that the application is inclusive and effective. These findings strongly demonstrate that patients with cancer and a stoma require practical education, robust social support, and interactive, easily accessible digital media to achieve independence and confidence in managing their self-care.