Beyond Survival: A Qualitative Study of Recovery Barriers and Facilitators Following Emergency Laparotomy

Christie L Martin, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USAFollow
Samuel SN Theesfeld, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USAFollow
Genevieve B Melton, Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA, Center for Learning Health System Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; AND Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA Follow
Elizabeth C Wick, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USAFollow
Lindsay L Welton, Center for Learning Health System Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA AND Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USAFollow
Samuel E O'Brien, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USAFollow
Miranda K Considine, Center for Learning Health System Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA AND Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USAFollow
Jenna L Marquard, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA AND Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USAFollow

ORCID

Christie L Martin: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1685-0205

Samuel SN Theesfeld: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8411-9002

Genevieve B Melton: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5193-1663

Elizabeth C Wick: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0365-2816

Lindsay L Welton: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0952-7082

Miranda K Considine: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5671-1026

Jenna L Marquard: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1256-6699

Abstract

This mixed-methods study aimed to identify multi-level barriers, facilitators, and actionable interventions for recovery following emergency laparotomy, a high-acuity event where traditional clinical metrics often fail to capture the nuances of patients' lived experience during convalescence. We conducted semi-structured interviews and surveys with 15 adults recovering from emergency laparotomy and subsequently completed human-in-the-loop AI-assisted thematic analysis. Findings reveal a ``satisfaction paradox'': despite 93.4% satisfaction with acute hospital care, patients experienced a protracted recovery marked by significant distress across 5 themes: (1) Quality and Coordination of Care; (2) Life Impact and Financial Burden; (3) Patient Education and Information Modalities; (4) Environmental and Social Factors; and (5) Psychological Impact and Personal Resilience. Based on these findings, surgical success did not necessarily translate into positive functional or psychological outcomes. To bridge this recovery gap, healthcare systems must move beyond static discharge models toward human-centered digital solutions that provide asynchronous education and ongoing, active surveillance. Formalizing caregiver roles as clinical partners and addressing systemic financial and administrative barriers, even for fully insured populations, are essential to extending clinical oversight into the place of residence and restoring quality of life.

Recommended Citation

Martin C, Theesfeld S, Melton G, Wick E, Welton L, O'Brien S, Considine M, Marquard J. Beyond Survival: A Qualitative Study of Recovery Barriers and Facilitators Following Emergency Laparotomy. Patient Experience Journal. ; 13(3):224-241. doi: 10.35680/2372-0247.2170.