Understanding unexplained symptoms in general surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Presentations and outcomes of people with unexplained symptoms in Acute General Surgery: a mixed methods study
IRAS ID
314748
Contact name
Giles Toogood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
This study aims to explore the experience of patients presenting to the general surgery assessment unit with acute pain for which surgeons are unable to find a cause. The study will be divided into three parts, and participants will be able to choose whether to participate in more than one aspect of the study. Participants will be recruited while they are waiting in the Ambulatory Surgical Centre (a short stay ward where patients have investigations to determine the possible cause of their pain and whether they need to be admitted to hospital).
The first part of the study will involve completing a survey in the department - the survey will ask about the physical, psychological and emotional symptoms they are experiencing. Participants completing this part will be asked to complete an identical survey six months later. The results will be analysed and compared to see what factors predict unexplained and persisting pain.
The second part of the study involves the participants’ consultation with the general surgeon on call being recorded. This will enable us to analyse how surgeons convey an explanation and management plan of pain without a clear diagnosis.
The final part of the study will involve a one-to-one interview two weeks later with a sample of participants whose consultations were recorded while they were in the surgical ambulatory care unit. The interview will explore the patient's recollection and understanding of the explanation that was given, their understanding of their symptoms and how they had evolved, and whether they need any additional support for their pain. The study aims to improve the experience of patients presenting to general surgeons with unexplained pain.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0734
Date of REC Opinion
24 Nov 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion