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Addressing patients’ colorectal cancer needs in preoperative education

Nicola Jane Spalding (University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK)
Fiona Mary Poland (University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK)
Sheila Gregory (University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK)
Jane McCulloch (Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK)
Kevin Sargen (Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK)
Penny Vicary (Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK)

Health Education

ISSN: 0965-4283

Article publication date: 14 October 2013

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand and develop ways to enhance patients’ experiences of preoperative education received prior to surgery for colorectal cancer.

Design/methodology/approach

Based in the UK, three-action research cycles were undertaken to evaluate preoperative education, identify changes seen by patients and staff as likely to improve the service and to re-evaluate such changes following implementation. Data in each cycle were collected from: observations of clinic interactions; patient questionnaires; individual semi-structured interviews with multidisciplinary colorectal unit staff; longitudinal semi-structured interviews with patients and carers pre-surgery, two weeks post-surgery and 12 weeks post-surgery; patient and carer focus groups post-surgery; and existing educational material.

Findings

In total, 138 participants shared their experiences of either giving or receiving preoperative education. Findings were themed into why patients want preoperative education, and patients’ views of the educational processes.

Practical implications

Patients emphasised the need for educational provision to be fully understandable, comprehensive and client-centred using a range of communication processes. Patients emphasised the need for educational provision to be more fully understandable, comprehensive and client-centred and that important messages should be reinforced using a range of media. At a time of many uncertainties for patients’ lives, such education needed to encompass the experiences patients could expect, delivered by confident healthcare professionals.

Originality/value

Contextualising understanding and facilitating their own actions, enabled patients to regain control in circumstances particularly disruptive of bodily and other life routines. Establishing a sense of control is confirmed as important for patient's wellbeing in preparing for surgery and postoperative rehabilitation.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all participants who shared so much of their experiences for this research.This paper presents independent research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Research for Patient Benefit Programme (Grant Reference Number PB-PG-1207-13321). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.

Citation

Jane Spalding, N., Mary Poland, F., Gregory, S., McCulloch, J., Sargen, K. and Vicary, P. (2013), "Addressing patients’ colorectal cancer needs in preoperative education", Health Education, Vol. 113 No. 6, pp. 502-516. https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-11-2012-0052

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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