Interprofessional perspectives on care for patients with low anterior resection syndrome: A qualitative study. (5th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pape, Eva; Van Haver, Dora; Lievrouw, An; Van Nieuwenhove, Yves; Van De Putte, Dirk; Van Ongeval, Johan; Rogge, Sofie; Van Hecke, Ann
• Other Names: Decoene Elsie investigator.; Deseyne Pieter investigator.; Geboes Karen investigator.; Pattyn Piet investigator.; van Ramshorst Gabrielle H. investigator.; Vlerick Isabel investigator.; Fierens Kjell investigator.; Kinnaer Lise‐Marie investigator.; Verhaeghe Sofie investigator.
• Is Part Of: Colorectal disease. Volume 24:Number 9(2022)
• Page Start: 1032
• Page End: 1039
• Publication Date: 2022-05-05
• Subjects: guidance -- healthcare professionals -- low anterior resection syndrome -- qualitative research -- rectal cancer; Colon (Anatomy) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Rectum -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.34
• DOI: 10.1111/codi.16145
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-8910

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Many patients are confronted with low anterior resection syndrome after rectal surgery. The perspectives of both healthcare professionals and patients on the impact of bowel problems may differ. This study aimed to explore experiences of healthcare professionals on how to provide, organise and optimise care for patients with low anterior resection syndrome from an interprofessional perspective. Methods: An explorative qualitative design was used. Healthcare professionals were recruited in October 2018 in one general teaching hospital and one university hospital. Twenty one healthcare professionals from different professions caring for patients with low anterior resection syndrome were included in three focus group interviews. Results: Healthcare professionals confirmed a lack of focus on patients who are confronted with low anterior resection syndrome and stated a need for a standardised approach of care. Additionally, three levels for care optimization emerged from the data: information before surgery with strong emphasis on the timing of informing, counselling of patients when confronted with low anterior resection syndrome and organisation of care. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals find it important to adopt the moment and amount of information to the coping mechanism and timing of the trajectory. Counselling and follow‐up of patients with LARS should be organised proactively and should not remain restricted to pharmacological and nutritional advice. A possible strategy is to develop and implement late effects nurse‐led clinics coordinated by the clinical nurse specialist.