Perceptions and Experiences of Privacy Among Persons With an Ostomy Receiving Treatment and Care

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine ostomy patients' experiences and opinions on protection of privacy during treatment and care. DESIGN: Mixed-methods, descriptive correlational study. SAMPLE AND SETTING: The study sample comprised 80 patients with an ostomy receiving treatment and care in a university hospital in Turkey. METHODS: Data were collected using a form developed by the researchers based on literature review. The survey consisted of statements that examined demographic characteristics, experiences, and opinions of patients with an ostomy. RESULTS: For participants, 64.8% (n = 35/54) defined privacy from a physical dimension, 64.1% (n = 25/39) suffered from ostomy-related psychosocial discomfort, 48.7% experienced ostomy-related discomfort mostly during nursing care (n = 19/39), 48.7% (n = 39/80) were uncomfortable when their ostomy was seen by others, Approximately 56.3% (n = 45/80) thought that they disturbed other patients and their families during ostomy care, and 46.3% (n = 37/80) stated that healthcare professionals discussed information about their ostomy when other patients and their families were present. In addition, 21.3% (n = 17/80) opined that the physical conditions of patient rooms failed to provide privacy. Analysis revealed no significant relationship between education levels and reading the Patient Rights Regulation (P = .129). Analysis also found no significant relationships between age (P = .086), marital status (P = .382), educational background (P = .143), hospitalization experience (P = .427), and satisfaction with perceptions of privacy when receiving ostomy care. CONCLUSION: Patients with an ostomy reported physical and psychosocial problems concerning privacy, felt uncomfortable about the way information on their ostomy was discussed, and thought that physical conditions were not suitable for ostomy care. We recommend that healthcare professionals be provided with more training on psychosocial problems and privacy for patients with ostomy and that institutional policies and procedures be developed to address patients' problems.