HEAR -U: Hernia Experiences and Recovery- Umbilical hernia version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding Patient-Centred Outcomes following Umbilical Hernia repair: A Patient Focus Group Study.
IRAS ID
351116
Contact name
Katie Gilmore
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 3 days
Research summary
Umbilical hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgeries globally, yet the best technique to achieve the best patient outcomes is still uncertain. Current methods often focus on what surgeons think is important, overlooking the patient’s perspective. Our research will work closely with patients to find out what matters most to them before and after surgery. By developing new tools to assess quality of life, based on patient experiences, we aim to improve how hernia repair outcomes are measured and ensure treatments are better tailored to meet individual patient needs. In a safe environment (online or face to face) we will ask patients who have had umbilical hernia surgery within the last 3 years to share their experiences and what outcomes were important to them. We will explain current outcome measures used (e.g. recurrence, pain scores, and quality of life tools) in hernia research and ask if they think they are relevant to them. To recruit patients we will use social media and the patient support group run by British Hernia Society (BHS) and European Hernia Society (EHS) , that have already agreed to support and endorse our research. We will also identify patients at the host organisation of the study (Golden Jubilee National hospital), who have undergone elective umbilical hernia repair in the previous 3 years, by accessing theatre records and clinical portal. Searches will be conducted by research student (KG), who is an NHS employee of Golden Jubilee National Hospital and works in the surgical department, to identify these patients. Eligible patients will then be contacted and provided with an invitation to participate letter, participant information sheet, consent form, privacy notice and contact details should they wish to consider participating.
The primary aim of this study is to develop a set of patient-centred outcome measures for the evaluation of umbilical hernia repair. Objectives include:
1. Understand and explore patient experiences and perspectives related to umbilical hernia repair.
2. To evaluate the relevance and perceived value of current outcome measures (e.g. recurrence, pain scores, QoL assessment tools).
3. Develop a comprehensive set of patient- centred outcome measures that better reflect patient priorities.REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0236
Date of REC Opinion
8 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion