Enhancing Self-Care Confidence Among Colorectal Cancer Patients: Insights From Postoperative Experiences

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Care
• Patient Education

Background:

• Patient participation in health is crucial for effective medical practice.
• Gaps in patient knowledge about postoperative care after colorectal cancer surgery impact recovery.
• This project aimed to improve the recovery experience through enhanced patient education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient satisfaction with postoperative care education.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a new educational intervention for colorectal cancer surgery patients.
• To identify patient preferences for receiving post-discharge information.

Main Methods:

• An electronic survey assessed patient experiences with pain management, stoma care, wound management, dietary advice, and contacting the surgical team before and after an intervention.
• The intervention involved a physical leaflet and face-to-face discussion.
• Post-intervention surveys were conducted before discharge and two weeks later.

Main Results:

• Patient satisfaction scores significantly increased across all assessed domains post-intervention (from >7 to >9 out of 10).
• The educational leaflet was reported to address concerns and enhance the recovery experience for all post-intervention respondents.
• Before the intervention, 61.3% desired psychological support, with 87.5% preferring face-to-face advice post-discharge.

Conclusions:

• Effective communication and tailored educational support are vital for reducing patient stress and improving understanding.
• Clinicians can empower colorectal cancer patients, fostering confidence and autonomy during recovery through enhanced education.