Patients' experiences with the routine use of a clinical feedback system prior to consultations in ostomy care: a qualitative study.

Purpose: Ostomy surgery involves significant bodily changes, and the adjustment process encompasses a broad spectrum of physical and psychosocial challenges. A clinical feedback system (CFS) has been developed to collect patient-reported outcomes as part of routine outpatient follow-up, reviewed by stoma care nurses, to better address patients' needs during their adjustment process. The intervention appears promising; however, empirical evidence supporting its benefits remains limited. Thus, we explored patients' experiences with the routine use of the CFS prior to consultations in ostomy care.

Methods: A qualitative design involved 27 semi-structured individual interviews with patients using CFS as part of routine care. The data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive approach to thematic analysis.

Results: The overarching theme CFS-a tool with potential and multiple mechanisms of action was developed with three themes: (1) Grasping the purpose can be challenging, (2) Preparatory learning-triggering reflection and self-awareness, and (3) Means of communication and potential for being understood. Engaging with the CFS had personal utility value with many dimensions, varying in strength and significance for each patient. Even though not everyone grasped the purpose of its use, it was part of a preparatory learning process for consultations and the adjustment process itself. It triggered reflection and self-awareness and served as a means of communication with potential for follow-up.

Conclusion: Although the CFS appears promising, future research should focus on identifying the most effective methods for educating patients on its use.