Speakers - 2026

Title: Interventions for supporting families in pediatric ostomy care: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: Families caring for children with ostomies face significant challenges including skill acquisition, time consuming care or psychosocial burden. Effective family interventions are crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Objective: To identify and map the available evidence on interventions and outcomes for supporting families in pediatric ostomy care.

Methods: This scoping review followed JBI methodology. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, BVS, PsycINFO, Embase and grey literature. Data were extracted using a designed form and, thematic and descriptive analysis was used.

Results: Nineteen studies were included, identifying two main support modalities: interactive virtual interventions and formal education programs. Interventions varied in care setting, delivery modes, and duration and frequency. Mothers were the most reported caregivers. Both modalities improved caregivers’ knowledge and technical skills, with reported clinical and psychosocial benefits, including reduced children’s skin complications and mitigation of caregivers’ depression, anxiety, and stress levels, alongside improved coping strategies. Key research gaps include the absence of patient-inclusive models, particularly for adolescents and transitional care, and the lack of studies from high-income countries, underscoring the need for broader, context-diverse research.

Conclusion: Future research must urgently focus on developing and evaluating holistic, patient-inclusive models, prioritizing digital health strategies for scalability, and generating global evidence from high-income countries.