A qualitative exploration of patient perspectives regarding patient education during their colorectal surgical experience.

Abstract

The objective of our study was to describe colorectal surgery patients' perspectives on (1) the role of patient education in enhancing their surgical experience; (2) identify specific types of and timing for patient education; and (3) identify the best opportunities to deliver perioperative patient education given patient, provider and system factors. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study at a tertiary acute care institution in Canada of adults (age ≥ 18) with colorectal disease receiving colorectal surgery care from their first consultation until 3 months following admission for a hemicolectomy, a low anterior resection or an abdominal-perineal resection in Toronto, Canada. A semi-structured interview guide was used to guide the discussion. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and then analysed using an inductive thematic analysis and summative content analysis. Twenty colorectal surgery patients (mean age of 51.4 years and 55% female) completed this study. Colorectal surgery patients described: the need for consistent patient education to address the emotional impact of the colorectal surgery journey (theme 1) during diagnosis and initial surgery consult (time point #1); communication as a critical component of good care (theme 2) during the perioperative period in the hospital (time point #2); and the role of support systems to support the impact of surgery on daily life (theme 3) after transitioning home from the hospital after surgery (time point #3). This study highlights several patient-identified gaps and actionable opportunities related to education for colorectal surgery patients.