Patients' experience on waiting for spinal arthrodesis: a qualitative study.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Psychology
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Previous research on spinal surgery waiting experiences was post-operative.
• This study focuses on the pre-operative waiting period for lumbar spinal arthrodesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the subjective experiences of patients on the waitlist for lumbar spinal arthrodesis.
• To understand the psychological and functional impact of waiting for spinal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.
• Conducted with 15 patients (10 female, 5 male) awaiting spinal arthrodesis in Italy.
• Thematic analysis by a multidisciplinary team.

Main Results:

• Key themes include pain impact, fear of the unknown, hope for normality, unpredictable waiting times, and need for better communication.
• Persistent pain affects physical and psychological functioning.
• Uncertainty regarding waiting duration and care pathway is a major concern.

Conclusions:

• Patients require more certainty regarding waiting times for spinal arthrodesis.
• Enhanced communication and comprehensive information about the care pathway are essential.
• Addressing these needs can foster patient confidence and realistic expectations.