The experiences of colorectal cancer patients in postoperative recovery: integrative review

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the experiences and needs of colorectal cancer patients during postoperative recovery. Design/methodology/approach – This study is an integrative review, conducted by CINAHL, PubMed, ScienceDirect and ThaiJO from 2009 to 2019. Ten research articles published have been selected by PRISMA process. Findings – Results show the experiences of colon cancer patients during postoperative recovery consisted of four themes, namely suffering, decreased activity, ambivalent feeling and need of caring. Research limitations/implications – The health care personnel should be aware of these experiences and give holistic care in order to let the patients free from unpleasant experiences and receive the responses which really meet their needs. Originality/value – Knowledge about the experience and needs of colorectal cancer patients after surgery is of great benefit to healthcare providers who are planning the care, so as to achieve complete holistic care in the future research.

Keywords

• recovery
• experiences
• integrative review
• colorectal cancer
• postoperative