Perceived learning needs of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm

Patients undergoing surgical treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) should receive adequate information about the disease, treatment options, and self-care. Patients' learning needs should be acknowledged. The aim was to describe the perceived learning needs in patients with AAA. A secondary aim was to explore their experience of methods for patient education.

Three focus group interviews were conducted with 14 patients treated with open or endovascular repair of AAA. The interviews embraced initial diagnosis, surgical treatment, and follow-up from a learning perspective and were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Three categories and 10 subcategories emerged. The health care staff failed to meet the participants' individual learning needs. Participants relied on other pathways to obtain knowledge, such as the internet or anecdotal information from friends and family. Learning needs pertained to risks and complications with surgery, self-care, and rupture risk. The participants were reluctant to ask questions due to a stressful environment. They requested accessible written information, along with a professional contact person for coordination and support during the care pathway.

Patients with AAA describe unmet learning needs in regard to risks and complications with the disease and surgical treatment but also disease management and lifestyle factors. Education material should be consistent, individualized and easily accessible for patients and next of kin. Additional psychosocial support is warranted. Adjusting information to patients' needs may improve patient satisfaction.