EP.FRI.1067 Exploring the Patient Journey and Social Care following Emergency Laparotomy in the Elderly: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

Abstract

Abstract Aims Frailty is associated with high morbidity following emergency laparotomy. Objective scores such as P-POSSUM are well recognised in predicting outcomes such as morbidity and mortality. Qualitative factors affecting recovery and rehabilitation are less established. This review explores the lived experiences of elderly patients following emergency laparotomy to identify factors to improve post-hospital care. Methods A systematic review of the medical and nursing literature was performed using MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection and CINAHL Plus in January 2020. Qualitative and phenomenological studies were identified using keywords ‘emergency’, ‘laparotomy’, ‘abdo*’ and ‘surgery’. Cancer studies were excluded. Themes were extracted for ‘lines of argument’ synthesis to build a general interpretation of findings. The review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019159751). Results The search identified 569 unique citations of which 551 were excluded after screening and 17 excluded following full-text review. One study was included (Thomsen et al, 2014) exploring postoperative care for 18 patients following emergency abdominal surgery. Thematic analysis was limited to the hospital setting. Patients described Critical Care as a safe environment for recovery and rehabilitation because of higher nursing ratios. Patients placed emphasis on ready access to staff and timely interventions which was particularly poor on surgical wards. Specific barriers, particularly patient concerns regarding recovery, were not explored. Conclusions This review highlights the importance of easy access to staff and inpatient services following emergency laparotomy but demonstrates the lack of qualitative evidence exploring the lived experience of the immediate post-discharge period that impacts on rehabilitation back to normal activities.