Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional curvature of the spine of unknown cause that occurs in often otherwise fit young people. A complex surgical procedure is required for the most severe curves. Quantitative literature suggests scoliosis surgery improves patients' lives, while qualitative literature focuses on patients' concerns rather than their experience.
To explore how adolescents interpret their perioperative experience.
Six participants aged 15-18 were interviewed and transcripts were analysed.
Four themes were identified: shock, fears and worries; parental interaction; coping; and motivation and positivity.
Participants were reluctant to share concerns, however those they shared related more to fear of the unknown and lack of control than specific issues such as pain. Participants depended on their parents, especially their mothers, during the perioperative period, and they recognised their parents' stress. Participants coped well, were motivated and had a positive outlook.
Nursing Children and Young People. doi: 10.7748/ncyp.2016.e726
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to open review and has been checked for plagiarism using automated software
Received: 25 October 2015
Accepted: 15 July 2016
Published online: 26 July 2016
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