Improving communication for patients undergoing fecal ostomy surgery

Improving Biopsychosocial Outcomes With a Communication Intervention for Patients Undergoing Fecal Ostomy Surgery

NA · Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT06320002

This study tests a new way to help adults, especially older ones, better understand and prepare for fecal ostomy surgery to see if it can reduce their anxiety and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment28 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06320002 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the acceptability of a communication intervention designed for adults undergoing fecal ostomy surgery. The intervention aims to address the unique needs of patients, particularly older adults, by improving their biopsychosocial outcomes. A total of 24 patients and 4 clinicians will participate, with questionnaires administered at the start and four weeks after the intervention to assess its feasibility and acceptability. The study seeks to enhance patient understanding and preparedness for surgery, ultimately aiming to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are planning to undergo elective fecal ostomy surgery and are fluent in English.

Not a fit: Patients who are deemed inappropriate for surgery by the surgical team or those unable to provide consent due to severe cognitive impairment or critical health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the quality of life and psychosocial outcomes for patients undergoing fecal ostomy surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While current surgical guidelines support preoperative communication interventions, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of such interventions specifically for fecal ostomy surgery, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 or older
2. English fluency and literacy
3. Patient planned to undergo elective fecal ostomy surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Deemed inappropriate by the surgery team
2. Unable to provide consent due to severe cognitive impairment or physiologic status (septic shock/intubated)

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Surgery, Colostomy Stoma, Ileostomy - Stoma

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.