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Hospital Staffs’ Perceptions of Postoperative Nutrition Among Colorectal Patients: A Qualitative Study
Author(s) -
Rattray Megan,
Roberts Shelley,
Desbrow Ben,
Marshall Andrea P.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
nutrition in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1941-2452
pISSN - 0884-5336
DOI - 10.1002/ncp.10315
Subject(s) - medicine , thematic analysis , qualitative research , psychological intervention , nursing , exploratory research , perception , family medicine , social science , neuroscience , sociology , anthropology , biology
Background After lower gastrointestinal surgery, few patients start eating within timeframes outlined by evidence‐based guidelines or meet their nutrition requirements in hospital. The present study explored hospital staffs’ perceptions of factors influencing timely and adequate feeding after colorectal surgery to inform future interventions for improving postoperative nutrition practices and intakes. Methods This qualitative exploratory study was conducted at an Australian hospital where Enhanced Recovery After Surgery guidelines had not been formally implemented. One‐on‐one semistructured interviews were conducted with hospital staff who provided care to patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Interviews lasted from 21 to 47 minutes and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Emergent themes and subthemes were discussed by all investigators to ensure consensus of interpretation. Results Eighteen staff participated in interviews, including 9 doctors, 5 nurses, 2 dietitians, and 2 foodservice staff. Staffs’ responses formed 3 themes: (1) variability in perceived acceptability of postoperative feeding; (2) improving dynamics and communication within the treating team; and (3) optimizing dietary intakes with available resources. Conclusion Staff and organizational factors need to be considered when attempting to improve postoperative nutrition among patients who undergo colorectal surgery. Introducing a feeding protocol, enhancing intraprofessional and interdisciplinary communication, and ensuring the availability of appropriate, nutrient‐dense foods are pivotal to improve nutrition practices and intakes.