Perioperative Experiences of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study
Yang-yi Zhao, Xia Li, Jia-ni GuObjective
This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of how patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience the perioperative period and their unmet supportive care needs.
Methods
A phenomenological qualitative design was adopted. Twelve patients with IBD who had undergone intestinal surgery were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed following Colaizzi’s method.
Results
Patients described a complex trajectory across the perioperative period, characterized by hesitation and uncertainty before surgery, emotional fluctuations surrounding surgery, and early postoperative adjustment. Four overarching themes emerged, including decision-making uncertainty, psychological transitions, multiple burdens, and unmet supportive care needs.
Conclusion
The perioperative experience of patients with IBD extends beyond the medical aspects of surgical care and involves substantial psychological and social challenges. Addressing these challenges requires more personalized communication, continuous emotional support, and coordinated multidisciplinary care.