Experiences and Needs of Patients, Their Informal Caregiver and Healthcare Professionals Regarding LARS

Rectal Cancer Survivorship, the Struggle of the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS). Experiences and Needs of Patients, Their Informal Caregiver and Healthcare Professionals

Exploration of the experiences and needs of patients with the low anterior resection syndrome, their informal caregiver and health care professionals. This is a qualitative study where semi-structured interviews will be conducted with patients and informal caregivers. next to that focus groups will be performed with healthcare professionals from different professions.

PATIENTS

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients (18+)
• confronted with major low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• stoma at time interview
• abdominal perineal resection

INFORMAL CAREGIVERS Inclusion criteria

• Adults (18+)
• Nominated by the participating patient as their principal caregiver Exclusion criteria None

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS inclusion criteria

• Adults (18+)
• Caring for patients with LARS Exclusion criteria None