Reporting patient experiences within elective perioperative care: a scoping review

Patient experience is an important descriptor of the human experience of healthcare. Specifically, it is described as the sum of all interactions, shaped by an organization's culture, that influence patient perceptions, across the continuum of care. Currently, patient experience is measured with a focus on the hospital experience. By focussing on elective perioperative care, patient experience across the full continuum of care can be explored. A scoping review was designed to map the important components of patient experience, reported from previous studies of patients' perspectives, across the full continuum of care. The aims of this scoping review were to identify (i) key components of patients' experience and (ii) strategies where clinicians have influenced this experience. A systematic search of four key databases was performed in 2022 and updated in 2023 to identify primary research articles describing the complete perioperative experience for adults who have had elective surgery. Patient reports were extracted and compared to summarize key components of patient experience across preoperative, in-hospital, and postoperative care and to identify components of patient experience that clinicians could influence. From 10 included studies, four important patient experience themes have emerged as realistic expectations, accurate information, consistent communication, and individualized care. Four foci for clinicians to influence patients' experience include careful monitoring around pain management, psychological recovery, coordination of care, and return to function. A matrix of clinicians' points of influence and patient experience is presented to demonstrate how clinicians have influenced important components of patient experience across preoperative, in-hospital, and postoperative care. This review summarizes patients' reports of their experience across the complete perioperative continuum of care. The multidimensional nature of the patient experience is represented in four patient experience themes. Four focus areas in which clinicians can influence patients' experiences across the continuum of care are key to understanding and respecting the human experience in healthcare. This dynamic description of patient experience may focus clinicians' understanding of this complex construct and assist their practical engagement with patients. Further work is needed to ensure these themes are sufficiently relevant and comprehensive for current and future patients. Practical strategies will be important for clinicians to individualize and deliver perioperative care that respects and enhances their patients' experiences.