Effectiveness of Remote Self-care Education for Ostomy Patients

Telehealth vs In-person Education for Enhancing Self-care of Ostomy Patients (SELF-STOMA): Study Design of a Non-inferiority, Randomized Controlled Trial

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate whether remote education is as effective as in-person education in improving self-care behaviors of ostomy patients.

After signing the informed consent form, patients with ostomy will be assigned to the intervention or active control group (1:1). The intervention group will receive a total of four remote educational sessions over 2 months. The control group will receive the standard care, consisting of in-person standard education.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. having undergone a surgical operation with subsequent ostomy placement;
2. being at least 18 years old of age;
3. absence of cognitive decline,
4. absence of any
5. being able to manage the software on the smartphone
6. be willing to participate to the trial and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. presence of a cognitive decline, assessed with a score > 4 at the Six-item Screener
2. presence of any stomal or peristomal complication
3. not being able to read and speak Italian language