title: Experiences and expectations of patients after oesophageal cancer surgery: an explorative study.
abstract: We investigated which problems patients experience after resection for oesophageal cancer and what care they expect, in order to devise a better-tailored follow-up policy. Thirty patients, all within 1 year after surgery, filled in a one-time questionnaire on experienced physical, psychological and social problems and on expected care for these problems. Additionally, a semi-structured interview was performed. Frequencies of experienced problems and expected care over time were analysed. The majority of patients experienced physical problems such as 'early satiety' (97%) and 'fatigue' (84%) after oesophagectomy. In addition, patients often felt depressed (64%), were afraid of metastases (80%) and death (47%). Over time, the frequency of problems such as 'fatigue' (P = 0.035) and 'being dependent' (P = 0.012) decreased. Patients particularly expected professional care for physical issues related to their disease, whereas they often managed psychosocial problems in their own social network. Patients indicated that nurses' involvement during follow-up might improve their possibility to satisfactorily deal with problems. Patients frequently experience physical problems after oesophagectomy, and professional care is expected for these issues. Psychosocial problems are also present, but care is less commonly expected. Nurses' involvement during follow-up could be a way to optimize patients' management after oesophageal cancer surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. e.verschuur@erasmusmc.nl
authors.forename: E M L
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Verschuur
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Steyerberg
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Kuipers
authors.forename: M-L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Essink-Bot
authors.forename: K T C
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Tran
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Van Der Gaast
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Tilanus
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Siersema
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005791:Patient Care / Q000379:methods; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011182:Postoperative Care; D017741:Survivors