Patients' experiences of postoperative intermediate care and standard surgical ward care after emergency abdominal surgery: a qualitative sub‐study of the Incare trial

Aims and objectives To elicit knowledge of patient experiences of postoperative intermediate care in an intensive care unit and standard postoperative care in a surgical ward after emergency abdominal surgery. Background Emergency abdominal surgery is common, but little is known about how patients experience postoperative care. The patient population is generally older with multiple comorbidities, and the short‐term postoperative mortality rate is 15–20%. Thus, vigilant surgeon and nursing attention is essential. The present study is a qualitative sub‐study of a randomised trial evaluating postoperative intermediate care after emergency abdominal surgery, the InCare trial. Design A qualitative study with individual semi‐structured interviews. Methods We analysed interviews using Systematic Text Condensation. Results Eighteen patients (nine intervention/nine controls) were strategically sampled from the InCare trial. Data analysis resulted in three distinct descriptions of intermediate care; two of standard surgical ward care. Intermediate care was described as ‘luxury service’ or ‘a life saver.’ The latter description was prevalent among patients with a perceived complicated disease course. Intermediate care patients felt constrained by continuous monitoring of vital signs as they recovered from surgery. Standard surgical ward care was described as either ‘ok – no more, no less’ or ‘suboptimal’. Experiencing suboptimal care was related to patient perceptions of heavy staff workloads, lack of staff availability and subsequent concerns about the quality of care. Conclusion Postoperative intermediate care enhanced perceptions of quality of care, specifically in patients with a perceived complicated disease course. Patients were eager to contribute actively to their recovery; however, intermediate care patients felt hindered in doing so by continuous monitoring of vital signs. Relevance to clinical practice Intermediate care may increase patient perceptions of quality and safety of care.