“What Do You Expect?”: A Qualitative Content Analysis Study to Explain the Expectations of the Families of Patients Undergoing Surgery

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Background: Surgery is one of the most frequent healthcare events worldwide. Individuals have different expectations of surgery. As most adult patients have a family member beside them and the family presence is important, this study was aimed to explain the expectations of the families of patients undergoing surgery. Methods: This qualitative study was carried out using the conventional content analysis method. A purposive sample of the family members of patients undergoing surgery was recruited with maximum variation from hospitals in Tehran, Iran, in 2019. The sampling method was purposive sampling. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data collection was continued until the categories were saturated. In total, 29 interviews were conducted with 25 family members, 3 nurses, and 1 surgeon. Results: Overall, 29 interviews were conducted. A total of 811 primary codes without overlap, 446 primary codes with overlap, 36 subcategories, and 11 generic categories were extracted. Finally, four main categories were obtained, named endless confusion, giving the family a share in care, exaggerated focus on obvious behaviors, and accepting the existence of the family. Conclusions: Families come apart at the seams. Their expectations and needs might not be met and are usually considered unimportant. They need to be seen, heard, considered, understood, and, most importantly, accepted by healthcare providers, especially nurses.