PURPOSE OF THE STUDY?This study aims to assess patients' quality of recovery and satisfaction after metabolic surgery at a tertiary hospital in South Africa using two validated questionnaires. These assess postoperative comfort, return to normal activities, symptoms such as pain, nausea and vomiting, and satisfaction with perioperative care. WHY HAVE PARTICIPANTS BEEN SELECTED? Adults aged 18 years and older undergoing elective metabolic surgery with a protocol-driven anaesthetic will be eligible. A total of 84 participants will be enrolled. WHEN WILL THE RESEARCH BE CONDUCTED? The study will be conducted from September 2025 to September 2026. HOW WILL PARTICIPATION AFFECT TREATMENT? Participation will not alter planned medical, surgical or anaesthetic care. WHAT WILL PARTICIPANTS BE REQUIRED TO DO? Before surgery, the principal investigator or research assistant will explain the study, answer questions and obtain written informed consent.
Participants will complete the 15-item Quality of Recovery (QoR-15) questionnaire and the Bauer Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. The QoR-15 assesses aspects of recovery using scores from 0 (worst) to 10 (best). The Bauer questionnaire assesses postoperative symptoms and satisfaction with care. Both questionnaires will be administered before surgery and repeated on the first postoperative day. WILL PERSONAL INFORMATION BE USED? Participant confidentiality and anonymity will be maintained. Names will appear only on consent forms, which will be securely stored by Dr Tsime in accordance with institutional requirements. Demographic and clinical information will be collected in a de-identified form for research purposes.