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Patients' preferences for information in bariatric surgery.
Usha K Coblijn1, Sjoerd M Lagarde2, Christel A L de Raaff3
1Department of Surgery, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Summary
Bariatric surgery patients prioritize understanding daily life impacts and realistic expectations over detailed complication risks. Information needs vary based on the severity of potential surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Bariatric surgery
- Patient information preferences
- Surgical outcomes communication
Background:
- The decision for bariatric surgery is complex, involving both patients and medical professionals.
- Effective patient-doctor communication and comprehensive information are crucial for informed decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patient preferences for information provision in bariatric surgery.
- To identify key content and format preferences for pre-operative patient education.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted with patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
- Patient preferences for information content (e.g., daily life impact, risks, weight loss) and format were assessed.
- Sociodemographic, clinicopathologic, and psychologic factors were explored as potential predictors of preferences.
Main Results:
- Patients highly valued the opportunity to ask questions (96.4%) and realistic expectations (95.5%).
- Information on daily life consequences (89.1%) was important, as was knowledge of significant complication risks (93% for ~10% risk).
- Interest in detailed weight loss data (22.3%) and very low complication risks (48% for 0.1%) was lower.
Conclusions:
- Bariatric patients seek practical information on post-surgery daily life adjustments.
- The perceived importance of complication information diminishes as the reported risk decreases.