Psychosocial outcomes in patients who participated in a hospital-based family involvement program after major abdominal oncological surgery: a preplanned secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study

Purpose Psychosocial outcomes of a family involvement program (FIP), developed for patients who undergo major abdominal cancer surgery are evaluated in this study. These psychosocial outcomes include anxiety, depression, sleep quality, self-perceived health, and health-related quality of life. Methods This is a secondary analysis of a patient preferred prospective cohort study. Psychosocial outcomes were compared between patients who participated in the family involvement program alongside their family caregiver and those who received usual care. A linear regression analysis was performed to assess statistical differences in self-perceived health (EQ-VAS) and anxiety and depression (HADS scores) at four time points: baseline, discharge, and 30 and 90 days post-discharge. For the health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), logistic regression analyses was used. Differences in sleep quality measured over five days, were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. Results Patients who participated in the FIP scored significantly higher on satisfaction of healthcare compared to patients who received usual care. Anxiety and depression levels and self-perceived health did not differ statistically between the groups. Patients in the FIP group scored higher on sleep quality. Conclusions Patients who had their family caregiver with them during admission for major abdominal cancer surgery did not experience higher nor lower anxiety and depression levels. Patients experienced a better quality of sleep and higher satisfaction with care. Therefore, hospitals could consider implementing family involvement programs to enhance patient experiences and satisfaction with care. Implications for Cancer Survivors Involving family caregivers in healthcare after major abdominal cancer surgery might improve patients psychosocial wellbeing.