OBJECTIVE: The reporting of outcomes in surgical trials for gastric cancer is inconsistent. The GASTROS study (GAstric Cancer Surgery TRials Reported Outcome Standardisation) aims to address this by developing a core outcome set (COS) for use in all future trials within this field. A COS should reflect the views of all stakeholders, including patients. We undertook a series of interviews to identify outcomes important to patients which would be considered for inclusion in a COS. SETTING: All interviews took place within the UK. Interviews were carried out face-to-face at hospitals and cancer support centres or via the telephone. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty participants at varying stages of recovery following surgery for gastric cancer with curative intent. DESIGN: Qualitative design using semistructured interviews, supported by an interview guide which was iteratively modified; thematic analysis was used to explore patient priorities. RESULTS: Six themes enveloping 38 outcomes were identified; surviving and controlling cancer, technical aspects of surgery, adverse events from surgery, recovering from surgery, long-term problems following surgery and long-term life impact of surgery. The 'most important' patient priority was to be 'cured of cancer'. CONCLUSION: Surgical trials for gastric cancer should consider broader priorities of patients when choosing which outcomes to report. This study highlighted the importance of longer-term outcomes such as cancer survival. Outcomes identified in this study will be used to inform an international Delphi survey to develop a COS in this field. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.
ContributorsAlkhaffaf, B. Blazeby, J. M. Bruce, I. A. Morris, R. L.
Disease Category: Cancer, Gastroenterology
Disease Name: Gastric Cancer
Age Range: Unknown
Sex: Either
Nature of Intervention: Surgery
- Consumers (patients)
- Patient perspectives
- Interview
Qualitative design using semistructured interviews, supported by an interview guide which was iteratively modified; thematic analysis was used to explore patient priorities.