Surgical procedure resulting with the creation of the intestinal stoma presents a difficult situation for the patient and leads to a significant
impairment of one’s activity as well as one’s subjective quality of life. Changes considering body self-image, losing control over sphincter
muscles, and local or general complications may significantly prolong the period of acceptation and adaptation to further life with the
intestinal stoma. Nursing procedures are introduced based on patient’s general health status as well as patient’s lack of knowledge and
psychophysical functioning.

The objective of this work is to present practical application of support-teaching system in care of a patient with the intestinal stoma. In this
system, a nurse is an assistant supporting and motivating the patient in the process of patient’s learning how to perform therapeutic self-care
activities. This system applies for patients who are potentially capable of self-care however they lack the knowledge or motivation or simply
need to be helped when making decisions. The major methods applied in this system include social support and patient’s education in
order to become independent and self-reliant in everyday care and function with the intestinal stoma.

Nursing Topics 2010; 18 (3): 337-341