Patient priorities in relation to surgery for gastric cancer: qualitative interviews with gastric cancer surgery patients to inform the development of a core outcome set

Abstract

ObjectiveThe reporting of outcomes in surgical trials for gastric cancer is inconsistent. The GASTROS study (GAstric CancerSurgeryTRialsReportedOutcomeStandardisation) aims to address this by developing a core outcome set (COS) for use in all future trials within this field. A COS should reflect the views of all stakeholders, including patients. We undertook a series of interviews to identify outcomes important to patients which would be considered for inclusion in a COS.SettingAll interviews took place within the UK. Interviews were carried out face-to-face at hospitals and cancer support centres or via the telephone.ParticipantsTwenty participants at varying stages of recovery following surgery for gastric cancer with curative intent.DesignQualitative design using semistructured interviews, supported by an interview guide which was iteratively modified; thematic analysis was used to explore patient priorities.ResultsSix themes enveloping 38 outcomes were identified; surviving and controlling cancer, technical aspects of surgery, adverse events from surgery, recovering from surgery, long-term problems following surgery and long-term life impact of surgery. The ‘most important’ patient priority was to be ‘cured of cancer’.ConclusionSurgical trials for gastric cancer should consider broader priorities of patients when choosing which outcomes to report. This study highlighted the importance of longer-term outcomes such as cancer survival. Outcomes identified in this study will be used to inform an international Delphi survey to develop a COS in this field.

Facilitating International Participation in Core Outcome Set Development: A Proposed Approach for Multi-language Delphi Surveys, a Review of Current Practice and Issues to Consider

“…The study protocol and findings from previous study stages 3,5,6 were presented at targeted national and international meetings which were well-attended by potential healthcare participants. This was integral to generating interest and support for our study and ensured that participants understood the premise for GASTROS long before the Delphi survey opened for recruitment.…”

“…The scope and design of the GASTROS study has been previously detailed 5 . In summary, following a systematic review of randomized control trials 3 and a series of in-depth patient interviews 6 , a long-list of potentially important outcomes was rationalized into a list of 56 outcomes. Following a consultative exercise with key stakeholders (see below), these 56 outcomes were presented to patients and healthcare professionals in a two-round, multi-language Delphi survey.…”

Methods for conducting international Delphi surveys to optimise global participation in Core Outcome Set development: a case study in gastric cancer informed by a comprehensive literature review.

“…The study protocol and ndings from previous study stages 3,5,6 were presented at targeted national and international meetings which were well-attended by potential healthcare worker participants. This was integral to generating interest and support for our study and ensured that participants understood the premise for GASTROS long before the Delphi survey opened for recruitment.…”

“…The scope and design of the GASTROS study has been previously detailed 5 . In summary, following a systematic review of randomized control trials 3 and a series of in-depth patient interviews 6 , a long-list of potentially important outcomes was rationalized into a list of 56 outcomes. Following a consultative exercise with key stakeholders, these 56 outcomes were presented to patients and healthcare professionals in a two-round, multi-language Delphi survey.…”

Exploring the impact of regional variation on outcome prioritisation in core outcome set development: a case study in the field of gastric cancer surgery

“…This is necessary as there is signi cant variation and heterogeneity in this eld with respect to reporting and measurement of outcomes 3 . Furthermore, the outcomes chosen by researchers to report in surgical trials for gastric cancer often do not re ect the priorities held by patients 4 . For this reason, the GASTROS study has sought consensus between patients and healthcare professionals with respect to outcome selection.…”