The Effect of a Multidisciplinary Stoma Team on Anxiety and Distress in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Stoma Surgery.

Background: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Surgery resulting in temporary or permanent stoma is a standard treatment for colorectal cancer. Patients facing stoma surgery are at risk for anxiety and distress. Objective: To examine the effect of a multidisciplinary team approach on anxiety and distress among patients preparing for colorectal stoma surgery. Methods: This quasi-experimental pilot study assessed participants (N = 18) for anxiety and distress 1 week before surgery. Results of the Problem List associated with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer guided the oncology nurse navigator to refer patients to the appropriate member of the multidisciplinary stoma team. Participants were reassessed for anxiety, distress, and patient satisfaction after surgery. Results: A significant decrease in anxiety was detected presurgery (M = 8.2, SD = 5.5) to postsurgery (M = 4.7, SD = 3.9) (t [17] = 2.4; P = .03). A nonsignificant decrease in distress was detected from presurgery (M = 4.9, SD = 3.12) to postsurgery (M = 3.7, SD = 3) (t [17] = 1.6; P = .13). Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that this team approach can diminish anxiety and may have an influence on distress. Further research is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]