Experiences and perspectives of patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences of patients with colorectal cancer undergoing surgical treatment, capturing their perspectives from diagnosis through to post-discharge recovery.

Methods: A qualitative methodology was adopted, utilising semi-structured virtual interviews with ten patients recruited from a specialist colorectal clinic. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data analysed by the process of inductive thematic analysis, using interpretive description.

Results: Themes emerged across the domains of clinical and external, patient-level, and interpersonal and social factors affecting patient experience at diagnosis, surgery, and recovery stages. Clinical and external factors included the impact of the hospital environment, resource limitations, and the attributes of the clinical team, including ward nurses, clinical nurse specialists, and consultant surgeons, in providing compassionate support. Patient-level factors encompassed perceptions and emotional impacts of the diagnosis, and physical challenges post-surgery. Interpersonal and social factors included family support and the psychosocial impact of role changes during recovery.

Conclusions: Findings highlight the need for comprehensive, compassionate communication and tailored support across the patient journey. Recommendations include enhanced patient education on lifestyle impacts, resources to support family and peer networks, and more attention to psychosocial and emotional challenges in patient-centred care.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Interpretive description; Patient experiences; Postoperative recovery; Qualitative research; Stoma; Surgery.