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Table 2 Summary of main themes and sub-themes

From: What surgeons tell patients and what patients want to know before major cancer surgery: a qualitative study

Theme

Sub-themes

Emphasis on surgical techniques and in-hospital risks by surgeons

Surgeons presented detailed technical information

The gravity of the surgery was emphasized

Short term risks were listed with little explanation

Patients generally accepted the necessity of technical information

Some patients did not want technical information

Post-operative recovery, long-term quality of life and survival were key patient information needs

Recovery and long-term quality of life information was desired by most, but not all, patients

Long-term effects of surgery were minimised by surgeons

Survival information was desired by patients

Surgeons presented the uncertainty around survival

Fear may inhibit patients’ desire for survival information