THE HYSTERECTOMY EXPERIENCE: A DESCRIPTIVE QUALITATIVE STUDY EXPLORING PERCEPTIONS OF PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS CARING FOR THESE PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Hysterectomy is one of the most common treatment modality performed on patients with benign gynaecological conditions. Healthcare professionals (HCP) undoubtedly play a significant role in influencing patients’ perioperative experiences in undergoing hysterectomy. However, despite the prevalence of hysterectomy, no previous local study had investigated patients’ perceptions of undergoing hysterectomy, as well as HCPs’ caring experiences for these patients, leaving their perspectives concealed. Aim: To explore both patients’ perceptions of their hysterectomy experiences, and HCPs’ perceptions of their caregiving experiences for these patients, in order to sieve out existing caregiving gaps. Methods: A descriptive qualitative design was adopted. Using purposive sampling, 12 patients who had undergone hysterectomy and 12 HCPs were recruited. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Each interview was transcribed verbatim, and thematic analyses were performed concurrently with data collection to extract significant themes and subthemes. Findings: Seven themes emerged from the data. Of which, four addressed patients’ perceptions towards their hysterectomy experiences, which included (1) Decision-making: A Dilemma, (2) Perioperative concerns and challenges, (3) Importance of a supportive environment and (4) Proposed strategies to improve hysterectomy experiences. The other three addressed HCPs’ perceptions towards their caring experiences: (1) HCP’s essential roles and responsibilities, (2) Perceived challenges in caring for patients who undergo hysterectomy and (3) HCPs’ suggestions to improve the care provided. Eventually, existing caregiving gaps were sieved out from both parties’ perspectives. Conclusion and Implications: Our study offered insights into both patients’ and HCPs’ perceptions regarding the hysterectomy experience and suggested a need to re-examine current healthcare practices in order to bridge existing caregiving gaps. These findings provided relevant contextual knowledge to further improve the quality of care provided for patients who undergo a hysterectomy, based on both patients’ and HCPs’ recommendations.