Evaluating Health Literacy, Expectations and Regrets in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery for Malignant Disease

Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery often have to make complex decisions about their treatment, where risks, benefits and possible complications must be considered. Limited health literacy and unmet expectations can make this process difficult and may increase the risk of regret after surgery, as well as feelings of not having received sufficient support or clear information. The aim of this study is to explore how well patients understand the information they receive before surgery, what expectations they have and how these expectations relate to their postoperative experiences. The study includes patients undergoing major abdominal cancer surgery, such as pancreatic, liver, esophageal, gastric, or large bowel surgery, at Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet. Data will be collected before surgery, one month after discharge and again three months later.