Developing an Intervention Framework to Prevent Surgical Complications in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome: A Qualitative Study of Health Professional Perspectives on Barriers and Enablers

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic hypertension, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia, which collectively increase the risk of chronic diseases and adverse health outcomes. Affecting up to 30% of the global population, MetS poses significant challenges for surgical patients, with emerging evidence indicating poorer postoperative outcomes compared to nonaffected populations. Despite its growing prevalence, there is a lack of dedicated interventions to address the specific needs of this group. This study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the management of MetS in surgical patients, with the goal of informing intervention development. METHODS: A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to guide data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians involved in the perioperative care of patients with MetS, focusing on their perspectives on barriers and facilitators to effective management. Data were analyzed thematically and mapped to the 14 TDF domains. RESULTS: Clinicians identified significant barriers, including resource constraints, fragmented care pathways, and variability in team roles. Facilitators included peer validation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of decision-support tools. Emotional and motivational factors also emerged as critical determinants of engagement. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the unique challenges of managing MetS in surgical contexts. The findings provide a foundation for developing behaviorally informed frameworks, with implications for improving surgical outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.