Views Of Healthcare Professionals Research Articles

Healthcare professional views about a prehospital redirection pathway for stroke thrombectomy: a multiphase deductive qualitative study

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy for stroke is highly effective but time-critical. Delays are common because many patients require transfer between local hospitals and regional centres. A two-stage prehospital redirection pathway consisting of...

Virtual consultations: the experience of oncology and palliative care healthcare professionals

ObjectivesTo maintain continuity of care during the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual consultations (VC) became the mainstay of patient-healthcare practitioner interactions. The aim of this study was to explore the views of oncology and palliative care healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding the medium of VC.MethodA cross sectional mixed methodology observational study of oncology and palliative care HCPs, analysed via an inductive thematic approach. This was undertaken in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.Results87 surveys were completed. Three master themes were identified. Personal, professional, and familial factors including patient age, illness and VC skillset all influenced practitioner’s experience of VC. Relationships and connection were highlighted by survey respondents as important influences, with a perception that VC could reduce usual relationships with patients, compared to previous face-to-face consults. There was a perceived loss in these domains with VC. Sharing bad news and having challenging conversations was seen as particularly difficult via VC. Many survey respondents emphasized that they preferred to have first time consultations face-to-face, and not virtually. Within the domain of logistical and practical implications reduced travel and increased accessibility were seen as a significant benefit of VC. The inability to examine patients and concerns regarding missing clinical signs was emphasised as a significant worry, alongside the challenges faced with occasionally failing technology.ConclusionVC were felt to have a role for those patients who are already known to professionals, where there was an established relationship. VC for difficult discussions and for unstable patients were felt to be inadequate. Triaging patient suitability prior to offering VC, with emphasis on the importance of patient choice, was seen as a priority in this new era of VC.

Use of the FebriDx® point-of-care-test for lower respiratory tract infections in primary care: a qualitative interview study.

FebriDx® is a single-use, analyser-free, point-of-care test with markers for bacterial (C-reactive protein [CRP]) and viral (myxovirus resistance protein A [MxA]) infection, measured on a finger-prick blood sample. As part of a larger feasibility study, we explored the views of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients on the use of FebriDx® to safely reduce antibiotic prescriptions for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in primary care. Remote semi-structured qualitative interviews METHOD: 22 participants (12 patients who underwent FebriDx® testing and 10 HCPs from general practices who conducted testing) participated in interviews which were analysed thematically. Patients' and HCPs' express positive views about use of the test. They felt FebriDx was a useful tool to inform prescribing decisions and provided a visual aid to support shared decision-making and appropriate antibiotic use. Most felt it would be feasible to integrate use into routine primary care consultations. Some practical difficulties with blood collection and interpreting results which impacted on usability were identified. Some patients' reactions to negative test results suggested the need for better communication alongside use of the test. FebriDx® was perceived as a useful tool to guide antibiotic prescribing and support shared decision making. Initial practical problems with testing and communicating results are potential barriers to use. Training and practice on using the test and effective communication are likely to be important elements in ensuring patient understanding and satisfaction and successful adoption.

Parents’ and neonatal healthcare professionals’ views on barriers and facilitators to parental presence in the neonatal unit: a qualitative study

BackgroundParent and infant separation in the neonatal unit is associated with adverse health outcomes. Family-integrated care has several advantages and the potential to reduce these adverse outcomes but requires parental presence. This study aimed to explore the views of parents and neonatal healthcare professionals (nHCPs) on barriers and facilitators to parental presence in a Swiss neonatal unit and to identify possible differences between nHCPs and parents, and between mothers and fathers.MethodsData were collected through semi-structured interviews with parents and focus group discussions with nHCPs. Inductive content analysis was used to identify barriers and facilitators to parental presence in the neonatal unit.ResultsTwenty parents (10 mothers and 10 fathers) and 21 nHCPs (10 nurses and 11 physicians) participated in the study. Parents and nHCPs experienced barriers and facilitators related to: (1) Structural factors of the institution, such as infrastructure or travel and distance to the neonatal unit. (2) Organization and time management of parental presence, daily activities, and work. (3) Resources, which include factors related to the legal situation, support services, family, and friends. (4) Physical and psychological aspects, such as pain, which mainly affected mothers, and aspects of emotional distress, which affected both parents. Self-care was an important physical and psychological facilitator. (5) Parent-professional interaction. Parental presence was influenced by communication, relationship, and interaction in infant care; and (6) Cultural aspects and language. Some perspectives differed between mothers and fathers, while the overall views of parents and nHCPs provided complementary rather than conflicting insights. Using visit plans to support the organization, educating nHCPs in knowledge skills and available resources to improve encouragement and information to parents, strengthening parent self-care, and improving nHCPs’ attitudes towards parental presence were seen as possible improvements.ConclusionsMultifactorial barriers and facilitators determine parental presence and experience in the neonatal unit. Parents and nHCPs made specific recommendations to improve parental presence.

Parents' experiences of their child's best interests during a hospital stay in Australia.

Determining the child's best interests in a hospital setting will ideally involve the combined views of children, parents, and healthcare professionals. However, few studies have explored parents' experiences of their child's best interests when they engage with the healthcare system. Therefore, this study aimed to explore parents' experiences of their child's best interests during hospitalisation. A descriptive qualitative inductive design using face-to-face parent-child combined interviews, analysed by latent content analysis, was used. Sixteen parents recruited from a tertiary hospital in Western Australia were interviewed. Collaboration, development of trustworthy relationships, and effective communication were essential in shaping parents' experiences of their child's best interests during hospitalisation.

Implementing routine paediatric height/length and weight screening and weight management advice by clinicians: an evaluation

ObjectiveTo determine the views of health care professionals (HCPs) in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) about the effectiveness of implementation strategies used to increase routine height/length and weight screening, advice, and referral for children and adolescents. A secondary aim was to explore the prevalence of weight bias among HCPs.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to all HCPs who had undertaken online or face-to-face training between December 2018 and June 2020 in SWSLHD (n=840). The questionnaire collected data on their experience of routine height and weight screening and the effectiveness of strategies used in the implementation. It also included a weight bias assessment. Data were provided by the New South Wales (NSW) Ministry of Health on the performance of routine height/length and weight measures entered into the electronic medical records (eMR) in SWSLHD.ResultsOf the 840 questionnaires sent, 87 were undeliverable; of the remaining 753, 285 were returned (38% response rate). More than half (53%, 151/285) of the participants were nurses. Most HCPs agreed that there was a need for routine screening and reported that education, training, and access to resources were the most helpful implementation strategies. Most HCPs were confident in performing routine screening but were less confident in raising the issue of weight with children and their families. Barriers to implementation were lack of time, equipment, appropriate clinical setting, and HCPs’ perceptions and beliefs about obesity.ConclusionRoutine screening is the first step in identifying children and adolescents at risk of overweight and obesity, but many HCP found it challenging to incorporate into daily practice. Multifaceted strategies are effective in increasing routine screening across diverse healthcare settings so that children and adolescents receive timely and appropriate intervention.

Views of health care professionals on the implementation of preoperative advance care planning in older patients with head and neck cancer: Q methodology

ObjectiveTo investigate the views of health care professionals in a head and neck surgical department toward the implementation of advance care planning prior to surgery for older patients with head and neck cancer. MethodQ methodology was used to explore and analyze participants’ views by combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Participants were asked to rank 35 Q statements generated via semi-structured interviews and a literature review and to explain the reasons for their ranking in subsequent interviews. The data was then analyzed and used to develop a factor series to illustrate participants’ views. ResultsThis study surveyed 15 health care professionals, including eight doctors and seven nurses. The views of health care professionals toward preoperative implementation of advance care planning discussions were varied and could be categorized into three types: defending the autonomy of patients, patients’ knowledge and the Chinese traditional cultural context hinder the implementation of preoperative advance care planning, and lack of confidence in performing preoperative advance care planning. ConclusionsAlthough the health care professionals in the head and neck surgical department in this study recognized the benefits of preoperative discussions regarding advance care planning, patients’ knowledge level, traditional Chinese values, inadequate capacity among health care professionals, and unsound legal policies have caused these professionals to have misgivings about preoperative counseling and discussing advance care planning with patients. Further studies should be conducted, and strategies to overcome barriers to discussions of preoperative advance care planning should be developed.

Barriers to implementing patient safety incident reporting and learning guidelines in specialised care units, KwaZulu-Natal: A qualitative study.

Globally, increased occurrences of patient safety incidents have become a public concern. The implementation of Patient safety incidents reporting and learning guidelines is fundamental to reducing preventable patient harm. To improve the implementation of these guidelines in specialised care units in KwaZulu-Natal, the views of healthcare professionals were unearthed. This study explores the healthcare professionals' views toward the implementation of Patient safety incident reporting and learning guidelines in specialised care units. A descriptive, explorative qualitative approach was used to collect qualitative data from healthcare professionals working in specialised care units. The study was conducted in specialised care units of three purposely selected public hospitals in two districts of KwaZulu-Natal. Group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted from August to October 2021. Content data analysis was performed using Tesch's method of analysis process. The main themes that emerged during data analysis were; ineffective reporting system affecting the communication of Patient safety incident guidelines, inadequate institutional and management support for the healthcare professionals, insufficient education and training of healthcare professionals, and poor human resources affecting the implementation of Patient Safety Incident guidelines. The findings highlighted that there were more major barriers to the implementation of the Patient safety incident reporting and learning guidelines. This study confirmed that the Patient safety incident reporting and learning guidelines are still not successfully implemented in the specialised care units and the barriers to implementation were highlighted. For rigorous implementation in South Africa, the study recommends revised Patient safety incident reporting and learning guidelines, designed in consultation with the frontline healthcare professionals. These must consist of standardised, simple- user-friendly reporting process as well as a better implementation strategy to guide the healthcare professionals. Continuous professional development programmes may play an important role in the facilitation of the implementation process.

Views of healthcare professionals on their relationships with families of people living with dementia: A qualitative study.

Healthcare professionals as well as families play a vital role in ensuring the quality of care for people living with dementia. However, the relationships between healthcare professionals and families of people living with dementia are not extensively examined, particularly within the Chinese cultural context of dementia. The goal of this study was to explore the views of healthcare professionals on their relationships with families of people living with dementia. This qualitative study was grounded in the interpretative phenomenological analysis framework. Data were collected using focus-group interviews. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The study recruited a total of 26 healthcare professionals from 3 long-term care facilities. The study found that conflicts were inherent in the relationships between professionals and families of people living with dementia, and conflicts were found to manifest in three core domains: 1) Families demonstrated a lack of understanding about dementia, 2) Professionals faced challenges in managing families' unrealistic expectations regarding the disease status and the prognosis of people living with dementia, 3) Families did not perceive themselves as being responsible for the care of people living with dementia. The present study found that the prevailing factor underpinning the relational conflicts between healthcare professionals and families of people living with dementia, as reported by healthcare professionals was the perceived lack of understanding about dementia amongst families of those affected.

Views of healthcare professionals on complementary and alternative medicine use by patients with diabetes: a qualitative study

BackgroundRecent estimates indicate that a significant proportion of diabetic patients globally, up to 51%, are utilizing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). To improve patient-provider communication and optimize prescribed treatments, healthcare professionals (HCPs) must understand the factors associated with CAM use among diabetic patients. There is a dearth of literature on HCPs perspectives on CAM use by diabetic patients. This study explored HCPs knowledge, perspective, and views on their diabetic patients’ use of CAM.MethodsQualitative study using one-to-one semi-structured interviews conducted with 22 HCPs involved in the care of diabetic patients (6 endocrinologists, 4 general practitioners, 4 nurses and 8 pharmacists). Participants were recruited through general practices, community pharmacies and a diabetic centre in Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsFive key themes resulted from the analysis. HCPs generally demonstrated negative perceptions toward CAM, particularly regarding their evidence-based effectiveness and safety. Participants described having limited interactions with diabetic patients regarding CAM use due to HCPs’ lack of knowledge about CAM, limited consultation time and strict consultation protocols. Participants perceived convenience as the reason why patients use CAM. They believed many users lacked patience with prescribed medications to deliver favourable clinical outcomes and resorted to CAM use.ConclusionsHCPs have noted inadequate engagement with diabetic patients regarding CAM due to a lack of knowledge and resources. To ensure the safe use of CAM in diabetes and optimize prescribed treatment outcomes, one must address the communication gap by implementing a flexible consultation protocol and duration. Additionally, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based information should be available to HCPs and diabetic patients.

Impact of telenurse-led intervention in clinical trials on health literacy, empowerment, and health outcomes in patients with solid tumours: a pilot quasi-experimental study

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, decentralised clinical trials incorporated self-monitoring, self-reporting, and telenursing tools to address health literacy and health empowerment of patients enrolled in clinical trials. We aimed to determine the impact of an educational intervention using telenursing consultations on health literacy, health empowerment, and health-related quality of life in cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials by measuring the level of satisfaction with the care received and assessing the views of healthcare professionals concerning the advanced practice nurse (APN) role in oncology clinical trials.MethodsIn this pilot analytical, descriptive, longitudinal, quasi-experimental, and pre-post test study, an educational intervention was conducted by 5 visits with an APN using synchronous teleconsultation in patients starting cancer treatment for the first time in a clinical trial (n = 60), and health professionals working with the APN (n = 31). A descriptive analysis of the samples and questionnaires were utilised along with statistical comparisons.ResultsAfter the intervention, patients' health literacy (31.7%), health empowerment (18.3%), and health-related quality of life (33.3%) increased (p < 0.05), with a decrease and trend towards resolution of care needs (p < 0.05). Satisfaction with the quality and care received in terms of perceived convenience, transition, and continuity of care showed positive results in 64.9 ± 20.7, 77.6 ± 19.5, and 72.1 ± 20.4 of respondents, respectively. On the overall assessment of the APN role, healthcare professionals expressed a high level of agreement with the statements related to their work performance.ConclusionsThe data indicates that a clinical trial APN-led telenursing educational intervention results in an overall increase in health literacy, an improvement in health empowerment and health-related quality of life, and a decrease in care needs of oncology clinical trials patients. Patients stated that they received a high quality of care and health professionals indicated high levels of acceptance with APNs. Based on these results, we suggest that the APN role should gain more recognition in the Spanish healthcare system and their professional competencies should be aligned with those of other countries.

Perception and views about individualising antibiotic duration for respiratory tract infections when patients feel better: a qualitative study with primary care professionals

BackgroundEvidence shows a high rate of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in primary care. There is increasing evidence showing that shorter courses for RTIs are safe and...

Identifying the Barriers to Acceptance of Blockchain-Based Patient-Centric Data Management Systems in Healthcare

A number of recent studies have shown that wastage and inefficiency are a significant problem in all global healthcare systems. One initiative that could radically improve the operational efficiency of health systems is to make a paradigm shift in data ownership—that is, to transition such systems to a patient-centric model of data management by deploying blockchain technology. Such a development would not only make an economic impact, by radically cutting wastage, but would deliver significant social benefits by improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. However, a blockchain-based solution presents considerable challenges. This research seeks to understand the principal factors, which act as barriers to the acceptance of a blockchain-based patient-centric data management infrastructure, in the healthcare systems of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. The study represents an addition to the current literature by examining the perspectives and views of healthcare professionals and users. This approach is rare within this subject area, and is identified in existing systematic reviews as a research gap: a qualitative investigation of motivations and attitudes among these groups is a critical need. The results of the study identified 12 key barriers to the acceptance of blockchain infrastructures, thereby adding to our understanding of the challenges that need to be overcome in order to benefit from this relatively recent technology. The research is expected to be of use to healthcare authorities in planning a way forward for system improvement, particularly in terms of successfully introducing patient-centric systems.

Oral manifestations of long COVID and the views of healthcare professionals

Introduction Oral manifestations have been observed with this condition; however, little is known about their impact on the healthcare professionals routinely managing these patients.Aims To investigate the prevalence of the oral manifestations of long COVID and the healthcare professionals' views, experiences and practices for managing these conditions.Materials and methods A cross-sectional mixed-methods study, including a self-reported online questionnaire (n = 104) and healthcare professionals' (n = 7) semi-structured interviews, was conducted. Descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis were used to analyse the data.Results In total, 78% of respondents reported one or more oral conditions associated with COVID-19. Changes in the sense of taste and/or smell (58%), dry mouth (48.1%) and mouth sores (45.7%) were frequently reported. Themes identified from healthcare professionals' interviews were areas for research, management and interdisciplinary collaboration.Discussion Allied healthcare professionals may assist dental professionals with managing oral manifestations of long COVID. Inadequate access to NHS dentistry is deterring patients worried about their oral symptoms and the limited oral knowledge of healthcare professionals affects their ability to manage patients.Conclusion Healthcare professionals have observed oral manifestations in individuals diagnosed with long COVID; however, further information and training on this topic would assist them with managing patients and increasing awareness among clinicians.

Scoping literature review and focus groups with healthcare professionals on psychosocial and lifestyle assessments for childhood obesity care.

Background: Childhood obesity is a complex disease resulting from the interaction of multiple factors. The effective management of childhood obesity requires assessing the psychosocial and lifestyle factors that may play a role in the development and maintenance of obesity. This study centers on available scientific literature on psychosocial and lifestyle assessments for childhood obesity, and experiences and views of healthcare professionals with regard to assessing psychosocial and lifestyle factors within Dutch integrated care.&#x0D; Methods: Two methods were used. First, a scoping review (in PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, IBSS, Scopus and Web of Science) was performed by systematically searching for scientific literature on psychosocial and lifestyle assessments for childhood obesity. Data were analysed by extracting data in Microsoft Excel. Second, focus group discussions were held with healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines and domains to explore their experiences and views about assessing psychosocial and lifestyle factors within Dutch integrated care. Data were analysed using template analysis, complemented with open coding in MAXQDA.&#x0D; Results: The results provide an overview of relevant psychosocial and lifestyle factors that should be assessed and were classified as child, family, parental and lifestyle (e.g. nutrition, physical activity and sleep factors) and structured into psychological and social aspects.&#x0D; Insights into how to assess psychosocial and lifestyle factors were identified as well, including talking about psychosocial factors, lifestyle and weight; the professional-patient relationship; and attitudes of healthcare professionals.&#x0D; Conclusions: This study provides an overview of psychosocial and lifestyle factors that should be identified within the context of childhood obesity care, as they may contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity. The results highlight the importance of both what is assessed and how it is assessed. The results of this study can be used to develop practical tools for facilitating healthcare professionals in conducting a psychosocial and lifestyle assessment.

From Hospital to Home, following a Lower Limb Amputation: A Focus Group Study of Healthcare Professionals views an experience.

Introduction: Major limb amputations is often associated with loss- a loss of a limb but also independence. Patients undergoing lower limb amputations are often patients with multiple comorbidities, requiring care from numerous healthcare professionals (HCP). It is a patient population with complex needs and limited surplus that might benefit from an integrated care model. &#x0D; Aim: This study aims to explore Health Care Professionals views and experiences during the transition process from Hospital to Home after a lower limb amputation, using the Safe Journey integrated care program.&#x0D; Patient population: Patients admitted to hospital for a lower limb amputation, and discharged using the Safe Journey integrated care program.&#x0D; Method: Two focus group interviews were conducted with 13 HCP’s from a Danish Hospital and three surrounding Municipalities. Included in both groups were nurses, occupational therapists and one physiotherapists. The interview was based on the following 5 questions, and the data was analyzed based on Braun and Clarke´s reflexive thematic analysis.&#x0D; -Which advantages of the systematic cross-sectoral collaboration did you find?&#x0D; -Which disadvantages of the systematic cross-sectoral collaboration did you find?&#x0D; -What do you consider to be most important issues regarding patients transfer?&#x0D; -What do you consider to be most important issues regarding collaboration?&#x0D; -How can we ensure safety and continuity when working with patient transfer?&#x0D; Results: Three themes were identified when analyzing the group interviews.&#x0D; -Becoming a team across sectors&#x0D; -Continuity of care as a driver of patients safety&#x0D; -Challenges in achieving safe transitions&#x0D; The Safe Journey integrated care program facilitated the construction of an interdisciplinary team and cross-sectoral communication and professional relations, increasing care continuity and patient’s safety. However, HCP’s experienced an increased workload, and The Safe Journey integrated care program was time consuming and required coordination and at-home patient’s visits.&#x0D; Conclusion: HCP’s found the The Safe Journey integrated care model to be valuable for patients undergoing major lower limb amputation and promotive of cross-sectoral professional relations, communication, continuity and patient safety. However, the model was time- and resource consuming compared to conventional models.&#x0D; Next step: Our next step will be to create a virtual model of the The Safe Journey integrated care program, to explore is the high quality can be maintained in a less time consuming model.&#x0D;

Exercise and physical activity promotion for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease: a UK survey exploring current practice and the views of healthcare professionals

ObjectivesExercise and physical activity (PA) are increasingly recognized as important components in the management of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Their promotion at diagnosis is essential for better management of symptoms and overall well-being. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are pivotal to the promotion of exercise and PA, but there is limited guidance on the content of such interventions. This study describes current practice, and explores views of HCPs around PA and exercise promotion at diagnosis for people with PD (PwP) DesignA cross-sectional study using an anonymous online survey. ParticipantsHCPs working with PwP in the UK. ResultsTwenty-nine doctors, 17 nurses and 106 physiotherapists completed the survey. All nurses, 99% of physiotherapists and 72% of doctors reported that they always promote exercise and PA during clinic appointments. HCPs identified how PA impacts PD symptoms, evidence on the role of exercise, and signposting to support groups as core topics in PA promotion for PwP. However, these topics are mainly addressed during physiotherapy appointments. Referrals to physiotherapy occur most frequently when PwP experience falls or mobility issues, rather than at diagnosis. HCPs (52% doctors and 41% of nurses) identified lack of confidence as a barrier to prescribing exercise to PwP. ConclusionThe importance of promoting PA at diagnosis is widely acknowledged by HCPs. There are variations between disciplines in terms of the tools used, and the timing and duration of interventions. Previously identified barriers to exercise promotion were also found in this study, and should be explored further in order to aid the implementation of effective interventions.

Exploring the views of dietetic healthcare professionals on a mobile health application (MUST app) that identifies people at risk of malnutrition

Exploring the views of dietetic healthcare professionals on a mobile health application (MUST app) that identifies people at risk of malnutrition

Experience and views of healthcare professionals towards people who use new psychoactive substances: Evidence from statutory, non-statutory, and private mental health and addiction healthcare services.

It is unclear how healthcare professionals (HCPs) experience and view the challenges of working with people who use New Psychoactive Substances (PWUNPS), in different healthcare services (HCS). The aim of the study was to explore HCPs' experiences of working with individuals who use NPS across statutory, non-statutory, and private mental health and addiction HCSs. HCPs completed in-depth semi-structured interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim with a mean duration of 30min 55s. Data were analysed through thematic analysis. A purposive sample of 14 HCPs (6 men, 8 women) with a mean age of 42.5years were interviewed in 2019. Organisational issues, including funding, impacted the treatment for PWUNPS and HCPs perceived a lack of support dependent on their qualifications. They reported a lack of assessment, policy, harm reduction, and awareness of NPS-related symptoms including mental health problems and stigma faced by PWUNPS. HCPs need better training, education, and assessment processes to manage acute NPS intoxications and address the stigma associated with PWUNPS. There is a need for policy-making opportunities across different HCSs to ensure better healthcare outcomes for PWUNPS.

Patients' and Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives on Preoperative Informed Consent Procedure Obstacles and Potential Solutions, 2021: A Qualitative Study.

Informed consent discussions are individualized not only with regard to the patients' surgical condition and goals but also with their varying information needs, health literacy, and anxiety. Information is lacking regarding the views of patients and concerned healthcare professionals on the informed consent process. This study is aimed to explore patients' and healthcare professionals' perceived barriers during informed consent process and identify suggested solutions for improvement. Patients who underwent elective surgery, anesthetists, and surgeons were the subjects of a qualitative study employing focused group discussions and in-depth interviews. The study participants were chosen through the use of purposeful sampling. The main barriers identified by the patients include: inadequate explanation about the intended procedure, family's influence in the decision-making, fear of surgery, fear of light/power interruption, inadequate time for discussion, and not letting the family members attend the discussion. On the other hand, healthcare professionals also identified various barriers, which includes: inability of patients to understand the information, limited time to discuss with patients in detail, poorly designed informed consent form, poor awareness of patients, fear of patient refusal for surgery if the risks and associated health problems are explained, lack of adequate investigation to confidently explain about the disease condition, use of medical jargons, poor documentation habit of professionals and lack of legal system regarding ethical dilemmas. Patients and healthcare professionals have identified avoidable barriers that need the attention of concerned health professionals, educators, and the healthcare delivery system.