Research on the demand, preference for oral nutritional supplementation in people with colorectal cancer in the postoperative period: A qualitative study.

Postoperative colorectal cancer patients valued portability, practicality, standardization, scientific validity, and clear labeling in oral nutritional supplements.

• These preferences emerged as subthemes under the primary theme of 'Demands and preferences for oral nutritional supplements'
• Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 14 people with CRC in the postoperative period
• Study conducted at a tertiary hospital in Xiamen, China, from March to April 2025
• Thematic analysis was used to synthesize findings, integrating unstructured observational data with details of ONS and regimens used by participants

Postoperative colorectal cancer patients sought improved cost-effectiveness or reimbursement via medical insurance for oral nutritional supplements.

• Cost-effectiveness and medical insurance reimbursement emerged as a distinct subtheme under demands and preferences for oral nutritional supplements
• This finding was drawn from semi-structured interviews with 14 postoperative CRC patients
• Participants also desired rapid and significant nutritional support effects from ONS

Postoperative colorectal cancer patients expressed a preference for disease-specific oral nutritional supplement formulas.

• Preference for disease-specific formulas was identified as a subtheme under demands and preferences for oral nutritional supplements
• This preference was identified among 14 participants via semi-structured interviews
• Thematic analysis was employed to identify and synthesize this finding

Regarding ONS regimen preferences, postoperative colorectal cancer patients emphasized credibility, alignment with personal habits and preferences, and the provision of education and guidance.

• These three aspects formed subthemes under the second primary theme: 'Demands and preferences for ONS regimens'
• Fourteen participants with CRC in the postoperative period were interviewed
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted from March to April 2025 at a tertiary hospital in Xiamen, China

Postoperative colorectal cancer patients reported suboptimal experiences with ONS and exhibited notable misconceptions about its use.

• Low compliance among postoperative CRC patients undermines the effectiveness of ONS, which is the guideline-recommended primary method of nutritional support
• This population faces a high prevalence of nutritional risk and malnutrition postoperatively
• Participants indicated that current ONS regimens failed to address their treatment needs and preferences
• Findings were derived from qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews with 14 participants

A qualitative descriptive study design using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was employed to investigate ONS needs and preferences in postoperative CRC patients.

• The study involved semi-structured interviews with 14 people with CRC in the postoperative period
• Data collection took place from March to April 2025 at a tertiary hospital in Xiamen, China
• Data analysis integrated unstructured observational data with details of the oral nutritional supplements and ONS regimens used by participants
• Two primary themes encompassing seven subthemes were identified through thematic analysis