(Poster 138) Patient Perspectives Following Urogynecology Surgery: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to identify important factors to patient preparedness in those undergoing urogynecologic surgery. The secondary objective was to use themes identified in qualitative interviews to develop a novel patient-centered educational video.

Methods: This cross-sectional qualitative study included patients who underwent urogynecologic surgery within a tertiary care network between April to November 2024. Semi-structured interviews were conducted approximately three to six months after surgery. A nineteen question semi-structed interview guide was developed, and qualitative analysis was performed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results: We initially aimed to interview twenty postsurgical patients; however, we stopped at nine when similar themes emerged. Of these nine patients, seven underwent major urogynecologic surgery and two had minor procedures. Four major themes emerged: (1) anxiety related to postoperative Foley Catheter use, (2) strong interest in video-based educational resources, (3) a need for improved postoperative instructions, and (4) dissatisfaction with preoperative centering concept, a group-based educational session lead by a nurse for patients undergoing similar surgeries. Based on these findings, we developed a patient educational video addressing Foley Catheter care following surgery (Figure 1).

Conclusions: Post-operative education is critical to optimizing patient outcomes and recovering in urogynecology surgery. This study highlights areas for improvement and informed the development of a video-based educational tool targeting Foley catheter care and management. Further research and interventions are needed to enhance the overall surgical experience for urogynecology patients.

Figure 1 Legend:
Patient education video about foley catheter care after surgery created based on the themes and questions that emerged from the qualitative interviews.