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Qualitative study explores patient experiences of perioperative care, highlighting essential emotional and relational support.
INTRODUCTION: Surgery represents a profound life event rather than merely a clinical procedure, yet comprehensive accounts of the entire perioperative journey remain scarce, particularly in Southern European contexts. OBJECTIVES: This qualitative study explored how adult patients experience perioperative care in a Portuguese hospital, interpreting findings through Meleis' Transitions Theory. METHODS: Eighteen elective surgery patients participated in semi-structured interviews postoperatively. Thematic analysis revealed that participants experienced surgery as interconnected transitions in which emotional, informational and relational care dimensions proved as vital as technical competence. RESULTS: Eight themes emerged across the surgical journey: preparation, information processing, safety protocols, recovery room awakening, home transition, staff connections, waiting and uncertainty, and postsurgical reflection. Empathetic communication, consistent nursing presence and personalised support fostered security and control, whereas rushed explanations and inadequate follow-up amplified vulnerability. CONCLUSION: Conceptualising perioperative care as transitions reveals critical nursing intervention points. Structured communication, emotional support, carer engagement and tailored discharge planning are essential components of quality surgical nursing, transforming uncertainty into readiness and facilitating smoother recovery.
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Seguro et al. (2026) studied this question.
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