Information needs for recovery after colorectal surgery: a patient focus group study

Aim: The provision of information to patients is an important part of recovery after colorectal surgery. This study aimed to define patient information needs, barriers to effective understanding and insights into how information provision may be improved.

Method: A patient focus group was convened. This comprised a broad, convenience sample of 11 participants from across the United Kingdom with experience of major colorectal surgery. A semistructured topic guide was used to facilitate discussion about previous experiences of information provision and how this may be improved. Data were analysed thematically and are presented as major themes.

Results: Overall, participants felt that their information needs are poorly prioritized by healthcare professionals. Barriers to understanding and retaining information include highly emotional situations (such as receiving bad news) and inappropriate information design (such as the use of inaccessible language). Participants expressed how information resources should: (a) address patients' individual information needs; (b) empower patients to take an active role in their recovery; (c) support patients with meaningful education and sign-posted resources; and (d) recognize patients' heightened need for information during recovery at home.

Conclusion: This study provides key insights into the information needs of patients undergoing colorectal surgery. These should inform the development of future information resources, whose format, timing and design are currently supported by low-quality evidence.