Postoperative health and patients' experiences of efficiency and quality of care after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, two to six months after surgery

PurposeTo study post-discharge health after Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), and to analyse patients' experiences of in-hospital efficiency and quality of care.MethodsIn-depth individual telephone interviews using an interview guide with open-ended questions were performed with 19 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis between April and October, 2012. Data were analysed with systematic text condensation.ResultsFour themes were identified: 1) Coming home was an essential step in the recovery process and the focus was on getting well physically despite mental stress, uncertainty about the medical rehabilitation plan and the future. 2) Health was affected negatively by postoperative chemotherapy and its side effects. 3) Stoma - a necessary evil affecting the patient's social life. 4) Quality of care and efficiency were defined in patient-centred terms and inter-personal care from the patient's perspectives on micro level.Despite all, 32% of the patients described being fully recovered and had started to study or work two months after surgery.ConclusionsThe study gives insights into some real-life experiences described by patients. The study results can be used to prepare written information, to design a postoperative rehabilitation plan for future patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis (PC) and to create a home-page through which patients can receive support from both health care professionals and other fellow patients.