‘How Does Nothing Show Up When I'm in So Much Agony?’: A Qualitative Study Exploring Patient Experiences of Non‐Specific Abdominal Pain in Acute Surgical Care

Introduction

Non-specific abdominal pain is a common and diagnostically challenging presentation in acute care, yet little is known about patient experiences within this setting. This study explores the experiences of patients attending a surgical same-day emergency care (SDEC) unit with non-specific abdominal pain.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study using inductive thematic analysis.

Methods

23 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) presenting with acute non-specific abdominal pain to a surgical SDEC in England were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at least 2 weeks after discharge and thematically analysed inductively, iteratively and collaboratively by a team of psychiatrists, surgeons and a lived experience co-researcher.

Results

Three themes were identified: (1) The journey to the SDEC—participants described uncertainty and fear about potential diagnoses and varied thresholds for help-seeking, (2) The consultation—while many appreciated rapid access to care, experiences of communication and explanation were mixed, with some feeling dismissed or confused by the absence of a clear diagnosis, and (3) Post-consultation reflections—some felt reassured by normal test results, while others struggled with persistent symptoms, a lack of follow-up, and ongoing uncertainty. Discussions around psychosocial factors were rare.

Conclusions

Acute non-specific abdominal pain can be distressing for patients, even after attending acute surgical services, particularly when communication is perceived to be unclear and follow-up is inconsistent. A more structured, patient-centred approach, including standardised follow-up, clear explanations and sensitivity to psychosocial factors, could improve experiences and possibly outcomes for this group.

Patient and Public Contribution

A patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group, comprising individuals with lived and living experience of persistent physical symptoms, shaped the scope and design of the research and co-produced the interview topic guide. A lived experience representative was actively involved in data analysis, interpretation and manuscript preparation.