An ostomy is a disability that adversely affects the HRQOL of cancer survivors and their support persons/family caregivers (FCGs) at all phases of cancer survivorship. More than half of survivors experience stoma-related challenges such as pain, troublesome odor, skin problems around the stoma, and leakage. Ongoing problems include pouching care, travel out of the home (especially relevant for rural populations), social interactions, intimacy, and acceptance of/satisfaction with appearance. Studies document persistent challenges including sexuality, psychological problems, and interference with work, and recreation and sporting activities. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of a perioperative ostomy self-management telehealth intervention (Periop-OSMT) and to determine the preliminary efficacy of the intervention on participant-reported outcomes, compared to the usual care arm. We hypothesize that the intervention will be feasible, acceptable and will demonstrate preliminary improvements in outcomes compared to the usual care arm.
