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The meaning of changing expectations: a qualitative descriptive study
Karen Thomas1, Ross Riggs, Kim Stothart
1University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
Nursing Science Quarterly
|December 19, 2012
Summary
Patients facing unexpected surgery cancellations experience disenchantment, humiliation, and eventual reconciliation. Understanding these changing expectations is crucial for improving patient care and support during difficult medical circumstances.
Area of Science:
- Qualitative Health Research
- Patient Experience Studies
- Surgical Care Outcomes
Background:
- Unexpected surgery cancellations disrupt patient care pathways.
- The psychological impact on patients requires deeper exploration.
- Existing research often overlooks the lived experience of cancelled procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the meaning of changing expectations in patients experiencing unexpected surgery cancellations.
- To understand the patient's journey through the lens of the humanbecoming school of thought.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative descriptive study design.
- Semi-structured interviews conducted with 27 participants.
- Analysis guided by the humanbecoming school of thought.
Main Results:
- Three emergent themes: disenchantment with uncertainty, skepticism with humiliation, and envisioning possible accommodations.
- Disenchantment arose with acquiescence to the situation.
- Skepticism surfaced with feelings of humiliation due to the interruption.
- Reconciliation led to envisioning possible accommodations and future plans.
Conclusions:
- Patient expectations significantly change following unexpected surgery cancellations.
- The humanbecoming framework provides valuable insights into patient adaptation.
- Findings can inform healthcare practices to better support patients through surgical disruptions.
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