PurposeTo explore patients' perspectives on surgical intervention for Dupuytren's disease, focusing on patients' appraisal of results, involving previous experiences, expectations, and patient characters.
MethodThe participants were twenty-one men, mean age 66 years, scheduled for Dupuytren's disease surgery. Qualitative interviews were conducted two-four weeks before, and six-eight months after surgery. The model of the Patient Evaluation Process was used as theoretical framework. Data was analysed using problem-driven content analysis.
ResultsFive categories are described: previous experiences, expectations before surgery, appraisal of results, expectations of the future and patient character. Previous experiences influenced participants' expectations, and these were used along with other aspects as references for appraisal of results. Participants' appraisal of results concerned perceived changes in hand function, care process, competency and organisation, and could vary in relation to patient character. The appraisal of results influenced participants' expectations of future hand function, health and care.
ConclusionsPatients' appraisal of results involved multidimensional reasoning reflecting on hand function, interaction with staff and organizational matters. Thus, it is not enough to evaluate 2 results after Dupuytren's disease surgery only by health outcomes as this provides only a limited perspective. Rather, evaluation of results should also cover process and structure aspects of care.3