Patient Perspectives On Transitions Of Surgical Care: Examining The Complexities And Interdependencies Of Care

Keywords

complexity science; discharge process; northeastern US; patient perceptions; qualitative methods; surgical outcomes; transitions of care

Abstract

This study examined a thematic network aimed at identifying experiences that influence patients' outcomes (e.g., patients' satisfaction, anxiety, and discharge readiness) in an effort to improve care transitions and reduce patient burden. We drew upon the Sociology and Complexity Science Toolkit to analyze themes derived from 61 semistructured, longitudinal interviews with 20 patients undergoing either a benign or malignant colorectal resection (three interviews per patient over a 30-day after hospital discharge). Thematic interdependencies illustrate how most outcomes of care are significantly influenced by two cascades identified as patients' medical histories and home circumstances. Patients who reported previous medical or surgical histories also experienced less distress during the discharge process, whereas patients with no prior experiences reported more concerns and greater anxiety. Patient dissatisfactions and challenges were due in large part to the contrasts between hospital and home experiences. Our hybrid approach may inform patient-centered guidelines aimed at improving transitions of care among patients undergoing major surgery.

Publication Date

10-1-2017

Publication Title

Qualitative Health Research

Volume

27

Issue

12

Number of Pages

1856-1869

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732317704406

Socpus ID

85029764707 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85029764707

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