PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS OF HEALTH AGENCY IN POST-SURGERY RECOVERY: A LIVED EXPERIENCE STUDY OF PATIENTS

Faiza Abdul Khaliq; Shahnila Tariq

Faiza Abdul Khaliq PhD Scholar, Applied Psychology, University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Shahnila Tariq Associate Professor, Applied Psychology, University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

Keywords: Psychosocial Factors, Lived Experiences, Health Agency, Abdominal Surgery, Patients, & Recovery

Abstract

The aim of the current research was to explore the lived experiences of health agency among the patients post abdominal surgery during recovery phase. Psychosocial factors within a health agency play a profound role in shaping patients’ post-surgery recovery, particularly when examined through a lived experience perspective. Thus, the data was collected through semi-structured interviews from adults who undergone abdominal surgery (N=5) and were in recovery phase. The patients were selected through the purposive sampling technique at age range 20-60 year onwards. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to extract themes. Three themes were highlighted (1) Recovery as multidimensional journey, (2) Embodied and intentional health management during recovery and (3), the supportive relationships and future oriented recovery. It is concluded from data that during the recovery phase, where patients experienced the physical limitation, pains, emotional shocks, psychological distress, take active decisions, actively cope with stress, modify lifestyle behaviours, and fully participate in treatment choices, got strength from family and reconstructing life meaning and future goals. The results of study provide significant information and current study will offer practical insights to improve the post-surgery recovery outcomes through independence and self-management support by documenting lived experiences of the adults across lifespan.