Feasibility and acceptability of a preoperative checklist health promotion in elective surgery in the UK: a mixed-methods study protocol
Kathir Kamarajah, Sivesh Dhesi, Jugdeep Khunti, Kamlesh Nirantharakumar, Krishnarajah Hughes, Clare Yeung, Joyce Ahuja, Shalini Morton, Dion Bhangu, Aneel
Kathir Kamarajah, Sivesh
Dhesi, Jugdeep
Khunti, Kamlesh
Nirantharakumar, Krishnarajah
Hughes, Clare
Yeung, Joyce
Ahuja, Shalini
Morton, Dion
Bhangu, Aneel
Affiliation
Other Contributors
Publication date
2025-11-13
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Multimorbidity or the presence of two or more long-term conditions is now common in people undergoing surgery. However, current care pathways often miss these healthcare encounters to support long-term health promotion. Therefore, there is a need for practical, scalable approaches that can be integrated into routine surgical care, for which limited solutions exist at present. We have co-designed a structured preoperative checklist to help identify and manage long-term conditions in patients listed for elective surgery. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this preoperative checklist in patients undergoing elective surgery.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a mixed-methods feasibility study in one National Health Service trust in the UK. We will recruit up to 50 adults scheduled for elective surgery and use the checklist during initial surgical clinic appointments. Quantitative data will include recruitment and retention rates, completion of the checklist and baseline clinical characteristics, analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data will be collected through semistructured interviews with up to 16 patients and clinicians. These interviews will be analysed thematically, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data will allow us to explore fidelity, acceptability, barriers and facilitators to implementation and refine the intervention ahead of a future pilot cluster randomised trial.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has received approval from the Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee (approval number: 25/YH/0045). All participants will give written informed consent. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and shared with participants, the public and policy stakeholders.
Citation
Kathir Kamarajah S, Dhesi J, Khunti K, Nirantharakumar K, Hughes C, Yeung J, Ahuja S, Morton D, Bhangu A. Feasibility and acceptability of a preoperative checklist health promotion in elective surgery in the UK: a mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open. 2025 Nov 13;15(11):e109010. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-109010.
Type
Article