Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy
The Acceptability and Experiences of Participating in a Preoperative Intentional Weight-Loss Programme From Diagnosis to Surgery for Colorectal Cancer
By Talbot A, Foster C, Jebb SA and 3 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Colorectal cancer surgery has a higher risk of complications for patients carrying excess weight. Preoperative weight loss might reduce this risk. However, it is unclear how patients perceive engagement with an intensive weight-loss programme in the short window between diagnosis and surgery. This qualitative study, embedded within the CARE randomised controlled trial, aimed to understand the acceptability and experiences of following an intensive weight-loss programme with dietetic support as prehabilitation before colorectal cancer surgery.
Methods
Thirty-one participants (65% male, mean (SD) BMI 36.0 (5.5) kg/m2, 65 (7) years) took part in a semi-structured interview based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability after following the programme for an average of 24 (12) days and 12 (7) days before surgery. Data were thematically analysed using the four constructs of Normalisation Process Theory (NPT).