The lived experience of post-surgical patients following resective surgery for refractory epilepsy: A phenomenological study

This project examines the experiences of patients who have undergone brain surgery for the treatment of drug-resistant, ‘refractory’ epilepsy in the six month to one-year post-surgery period, using phenomenological methods.

While post-surgical adjustment has been examined using psychological measures, scant research has offered a qualitative understanding in the context of people’s everyday lives, personal identity and social relationships.

The study results will inform a person-centred approach to post-surgical care. Phenomenological interviews will clarify facilitators and challenges to post-surgical well-being and inform the provision of appropriate patient support measures. The results will also enhance pre-surgical patients’ and clinicians’ understanding of, and preparation for, post-surgical adjustment, thus diminishing the burden of this disease.