Impact of Waiting for Elective General Surgery on Quality of Life
Author Information
Author(s): Oudhoff JP, Timmermans DRM, Knol DL, Bijnen AB, van der Wal G
Primary Institution: Free University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
What is the impact of waiting for elective general surgery on patients' quality of life and psychosocial health?
Conclusion
Waiting for general surgery mainly involves a prolonged period of decreased health and an affected psychological and social life of the patient in waiting.
Supporting Evidence
- Waiting times for surgery lead to worse general health perceptions and increased anxiety.
- Patients with gallstones reported the most negative emotional reactions to waiting.
- 39% to 48% of patients reported their condition affected social activities during the wait.
Takeaway
Patients waiting for surgery often feel worse and more anxious, and their social lives can be affected. Knowing how long they have to wait can help them feel better about it.
Methodology
A cross-sectional questionnaire study with postoperative follow-up among patients on waiting lists for surgical treatment in 27 hospitals.
Potential Biases
Participants who dropped out may have had worse health, affecting the representativeness of the results.
Limitations
Low response rates and potential underrepresentation of employed patients.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 18 and older on waiting lists for varicose veins, inguinal hernia, and gallstones.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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