title: The meaning of changing expectations: a qualitative descriptive study.
abstract: The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study guided by the humanbecoming school of thought was to explore the meaning of changing expectations with people who had experienced an unexpected cancellation of surgery. Twenty-seven participants described their experience of changing expectations through semi-structured interviews. Three themes emerged from the descriptions: disenchantment with uncertainty arises with acquiescence, skepticism with burdensome interruption surfaces with humiliation, and envisioning possible accommodations arises with reconciliation. The themes are described with examples from the participants, and discussed in light of humanbecoming, current knowledge, research, and practice.
authors.affiliation: University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Ross
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Riggs
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stothart
mesh_terms: D004644:Emotions; D009729:Nursing; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative