Couples’ experiences with ostomy due to colorectal cancer in one of the partners: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE: To map scientific evidence on the shared experience of couples undergoing intestinal ostomy for colorectal cancer. METHOD: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with JBI guidelines. The search was performed in 13 databases and repositories, with inclusion criteria defined by the PCC (Participants, Concept, and Context) approach. RESULTS: Nine studies were included, which allowed mapping couples' experiences and summarizing its characteristics according to the nature, influencing factors, and results arising from this experience; in naming this experience, the concepts of adaptation and/or adjustment predominated. CONCLUSION: The experience of couples with ostomies due to colorectal cancer varies among them, involving physical, emotional, and relational challenges. Gaps in scientific evidence have been identified, highlighting the need for primary research to better understand this experience, particularly the dynamics or processes experienced by these couples.