Between hope and fear: A qualitative study on perioperative experiences and coping of patients after lumbar fusion surgery.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Recovery following lumbar fusion surgery is frequently accompanied by post-operative pain, and patients often continue to experience some level of chronic pain. There is a scarcity of qualitative research focusing on patient experiences regarding lumbar fusion surgery. This study aims to clarify how lumbar fusion surgery patients experience the perioperative period; their hopes, their post-operative pain experiences, their fluctuating physical condition and accompanying emotions.

METHODS:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 lumbar fusion surgery patients. Transcripts of these interviews were open and axial coded by two coders using Atlas.ti software and Thematic Analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of thirteen categories and four overarching themes were generated from the data. Participants described their beliefs and experiences surrounding surgery, including a long preoperative illness process, tumultuous recovery and unfulfilled preoperative expectations. Participants used various forms of pain coping including activity avoidance and endurance, and emotion regulation strategies such as acceptance.

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrates that, for lumbar fusion patients, surgery seems to be a last resort. Professionals should fulfill the patients need for information and focus on managing realistic expectations while respecting the distress and strain the illness process has on a patient, thereby potentially increasing patient satisfaction and enhancing postoperative recovery.

• Authors: Annemieke Y van der Horst, Hester R Trompetter, Dean F M Pakvis, Saskia M Kelders, Karlein M G Schreurs, Ernst T Bohlmeijer
• Journal: International journal of orthopaedic and trauma nursing (Int J Orthop Trauma Nurs) Vol. 35 Pg. 100707 (Nov 2019) ISSN: 1878-1292 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 31431417 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adaptation, Psychological
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Female
• Humans
• Interviews as Topic
• Low Back Pain (nursing, surgery)
• Lumbar Vertebrae (surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Orthopedic Nursing
• Patient Satisfaction
• Perioperative Period
• Spinal Fusion (psychology)