Living with faecal incontinence: a qualitative investigation of patient experiences and preferred outcomes through semi-structured interviews.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Faecal incontinence (FI) is a prevalent and debilitating anorectal problem causing embarrassment, anxiety, and social isolation, diminishing quality of life. At present there is no optimal treatment option for FI. Consequently, treatments primarily focus on symptom reduction and improving quality of life. Understanding patient experiences and outcomes they seek from treatment is crucial for improving care. This study aims to explore how FI impacts patients' lives and identify important treatment outcomes as part of the development of a Core Outcome Set (COS).

Methods

Patients with FI were recruited from outpatient clinics in the Netherlands. Semi-structured interviews were performed, audio recorded, transcribed per verbatim and coded. Thematic analysis was performed

SUBMITTER: Assmann SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11541390 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature