University of Twente Student Theses
Beyond the pouch: co-designing a temporary pouch-free solution with intestinal ostomates : a mixed-methods study mapping the needs, wishes, and lived experiences of intestinal ostomates
Kara, I.S. (2025) Beyond the pouch: co-designing a temporary pouch-free solution with intestinal ostomates : a mixed-methods study mapping the needs, wishes, and lived experiences of intestinal ostomates.
|
PDF
25MB |
| Abstract: | Despite significant innovation in pouch-based systems, many ostomates report ongoing physical, psychological, and social challenges that impact quality of life. Therefore, this thesis explores the feasibility of temporary pouch-free periods. These pouch-free periods are defined as controlled intervals during which individuals with an intestinal stoma, manage waste output without continuous use of a pouch. Pouch-free periods are not intended to replace traditional pouching systems, but rather aims to offer greater flexibility and autonomy in context based situations. To investigate this under explored topic, a mixed-methods approach is employed, combining a literature review, a questionnaire, and co-design sessions. Through this method, key user needs and requirements are discovered, validated and built upon. The outcomes are used in the development of an early-stage product concept. Furthermore, the results underscore the value of user involvement in the development of medical devices and highlight the potential of pouch-free options to complement existing care. This research contributes to the growing field of human centred design in healthcare by proposing future-oriented directions in ostomy innovation not bounded by typical pouch use. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Subject: | 10 humanities in general, 44 medicine, 51 materials science |
| Programme: | Industrial Design Engineering MSc (66955) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106345 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
Show download statistics for this publication
Show download statistics for this publicationRepository Staff Only: item control page