Miss Maria Trajkov1, Mrs Laura Hughes1
1Fiona Stanley Hospital, South Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, Australia
Abstract:
Background:
ERAS is a multidisciplinary approach to optimise patient outcomes including perioperative education, counselling and post operative interventions following free flap surgery for head and neck cancer. A multidisciplinary guideline was developed at FSH in 2020, yet patient experience has not been evaluated.
Method:
In our cross-sectional study, 30 patients who underwent intra-oral free flap and non-flap laryngectomy surgeries during 2023 were included. A 12-item anonymous patient experience questionnaire was developed in MS Forms, using Likert scales and free text responses. Free text responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Responses from the likert-scale questions were reported using frequencies and proportions.
Results and Discussion:
We had a response rate of 56% (17/30). When asked if they felt prepared for surgery, 94% (16/17) of patients selected “agree” or “strongly agree.” When asked about pre-operative education (counselling), 65% (11/17) recalled education on expected swallowing changes, 76% (13/17) recalled education on pre-operative dietary optimisation, and 88% (15/17) recalled education on their post-operative nutrition and swallowing journey. In the post operative phase, 82% (14/17) recalled participation in rehabilitation across allied health disciplines with 17.6% identifying barriers such as pain (1/17), unwell (1/17) or non-weight bearing status (1/17).
The main themes identified were “desire for greater counselling on changes to post operative function” and “frustration with wait times” for outpatient services. Positive experiences included “feeling supported by the MDT” and “access to services closer to home.” Findings will be discussed with the MDT to identify strategies to improve patient pathways and re-evaluate experiences following changes.