Dynamic trade-off evaluation framework for bariatric surgery outcomes: a qualitative Straussian Grounded Theory...

Area of Science:

• Medical and Health Sciences
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Bariatric surgery is a significant intervention for obesity, impacting patients' lives profoundly.
• Understanding patient perspectives on surgical outcomes is crucial for effective care.
• Existing frameworks may not fully capture the dynamic nature of outcome evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patients' dynamic trade-off processes in evaluating bariatric surgery outcomes.
• To construct a patient-centred theoretical framework for clinical assessment and intervention.
• To inform preoperative expectation management and postoperative support.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing Straussian Grounded Theory.
• Semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 11 bariatric surgery patients (1-10 years post-op).
• Data analysis using open, axial, and selective coding, adhering to SRQR guidelines.

Main Results:

• Identified a core category: 'Dynamic Trade-off Evaluation of Bariatric Surgery Outcomes'.
• Developed a framework with four components: trade-off basis, moderation, process, and comprehensive evaluation.
• Outcome evaluation progresses through four stages: burden-dominant, contradiction-coexistence, contradiction-persistence, and meaning-reconstruction, moderated by goal orientation and resilience.

Conclusions:

• Proposes a novel theoretical framework for understanding dynamic patient evaluation of bariatric surgery outcomes.
• Highlights stage-specific mechanisms and moderating factors in outcome appraisal.
• Provides a theoretical basis for enhancing patient care and support in bariatric surgery.