Developing an Intervention Framework to Prevent Surgical Complications in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome: A Qualitative Study of Health Professional Perspectives on Barriers and Enablers

Philip Norris; Jeff Gow; Thomas Arthur; Daevyd Rodda; Joseph Coory; Florin Oprescu; Stephen Neville; Nicholas Ralph

doi:10.1111/ans.70786

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Developing an Intervention Framework to Prevent Surgical Complications in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome: A Qualitative Study of Health Professional Perspectives on Barriers and Enablers

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Developing an Intervention Framework to Prevent Surgical Complications in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome: A Qualitative Study of Health Professional Perspectives on Barriers and Enablers

Philip Norris, Jeff Gow, Thomas Arthur, Daevyd Rodda, Joseph Coory, Florin Oprescu, Stephen Neville and Nicholas Ralph

ANZ Journal of Surgery, Vol.Advanced access

08-Jun-2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.70786

PMID: 42260900

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Abstract

metabolic syndrome

surgical outcomes

intervention development

operative risk factors

behaviorally informed framework

perioperative care

postoperative complications

qualitative study

adverse events

theoretical domains framework

Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic hypertension, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia, which collectively increase the risk of chronic diseases and adverse health outcomes. Affecting up to 30% of the global population, MetS poses significant challenges for surgical patients, with emerging evidence indicating poorer postoperative outcomes compared to nonaffected populations. Despite its growing prevalence, there is a lack of dedicated interventions to address the specific needs of this group. This study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the management of MetS in surgical patients, with the goal of informing intervention development. Methods A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to guide data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians involved in the perioperative care of patients with MetS, focusing on their perspectives on barriers and facilitators to effective management. Data were analyzed thematically and mapped to the 14 TDF domains. Results Clinicians identified significant barriers, including resource constraints, fragmented care pathways, and variability in team roles. Facilitators included peer validation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of decision-support tools. Emotional and motivational factors also emerged as critical determinants of engagement. Conclusion This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the unique challenges of managing MetS in surgical contexts. The findings provide a foundation for developing behaviorally informed frameworks, with implications for improving surgical outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Details

Title: Developing an Intervention Framework to Prevent Surgical Complications in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome: A Qualitative Study of Health Professional Perspectives on Barriers and Enablers
Authors: Philip Norris (Corresponding Author) - University of Southern Queensland
Jeff Gow - University of Southern Queensland
Thomas Arthur - Toowoomba Hospital
Daevyd Rodda - Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital (Australia)
Joseph Coory - Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital (Australia)
Florin Oprescu - University of the Sunshine Coast
Stephen Neville - University of the Sunshine Coast
Nicholas Ralph - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: ANZ Journal of Surgery, Vol.Advanced access
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
DOI: 10.1111/ans.70786
ISSN: 1445-2197
PMID: 42260900
Copyright note: © 2026 The Author(s). ANZ Journal of Surgery published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Data Availability: The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.
Organisation Unit: Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Health - Nursing; Engage Research Lab; School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991240863902621
Output Type: Journal article

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