How to improve patient recovery after complex endovascular aortic repair: the experiences of patients and healthcare professionals

Objective

Complex endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) involves tertiary surgical care, with short in-hospital recovery. This study aimed to explore patients’ and healthcare professionals’ experiences of what can improve patient recovery after complex EVAR.

Methods

Three qualitative data collection stages building on each other were analysed with thematic analysis. Stages 1 and 2 separately explored patients’ and healthcare professionals’ experiences of what works well and what can be improved with current care. In stage 3, participants reviewed the relevance and feasibility of intervention suggestions.

Results

Three matching themes were identified in stages 1 and 2: Adequate information; Patient involvement; Continuity and follow-up. In stage 3: Individual care plan, Team meetings, and Contact nurse were all found relevant, while only Information routines was found both relevant and feasible.

Conclusion

What patients and healthcare professionals experienced could improve patients recovery after complex EVAR seem universal for complex surgical patients, and relevant interventions were identified. However, the feasibility of person-centred interventions seem affected by various contextual factors, like current routines and availability of staff.

Practice implications

Interventions that facilitate communication, both involving and supporting the patient, should be tested to strengthen patients’ ability to self-care, and ensure access to care and support when needed.