Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to explore the experiences, expectations, attitudes and beliefs about surgery and recovery in people with neurogenic claudication, and their preferences for rehabilitation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 16 patients (8 female; mean age 70 years) following surgery for neurogenic claudication. Data were transcribed verbatim, analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and interpreted using the five constructs of the Integrative Model of Expectations: treatment, timeline, behaviour, outcome, and generalised expectations. Findings Three themes were developed: (1) making sense of recovery through a biomedical model of illness; (2) the mismatch between expectation and recovery (subthemes: the unanticipated burden of recovery; hope versus reality: expectations of the ultimate outcome); (3) one size doesn’t fit all: the need for tailored rehabilitation. Participants expressed a preference for tailored, supervised rehabilitation commencing 2-6 weeks post-surgery. Some participants preferred one-to-one and some group-based rehabilitation. Some participants thought pre-operative rehabilitation would be beneficial. Conclusions Patient’s experiences and satisfaction with their care and outcome are heavily influenced by their expectations. Tailored rehabilitation should reframe unrealistic expectations regarding care, recovery, and ultimate outcome; educate patients on the biopsychosocial model of pain; and equip patients with the knowledge and skills to optimise their outcome.