Survivor-identified barriers and facilitators to acute phase recovery following radical cystectomy

Kathryn A Marchetti; Aniket Asees; Amalendu P Bokil; Melissa Medich; Krina C Durica; James Rieker; Kimberly Rak; Tudor Borza; Mia L Alcorn; Benjamin J Davies; Carissa A Low; Kristian D Stensland; Bruce L Jacobs

doi:10.1016/j.urolonc.2026.04.293

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Survivor-identified barriers and facilitators to acute phase recovery following radical cystectomy

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Survivor-identified barriers and facilitators to acute phase recovery following radical cystectomy

Kathryn A Marchetti, Aniket Asees, Amalendu P Bokil, Melissa Medich, Krina C Durica, James Rieker, Kimberly Rak, Tudor Borza, Mia L Alcorn, Benjamin J Davies, …

Urologic oncology, Vol.44(7), pp.234-242

05/18/2026

DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2026.04.293

PMID: 42150484

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Abstract

To understand the unmet needs of bladder cancer survivors in the acute recovery after cystectomy and how remote monitoring may improve their care. These results are part of user-centered design studies on a remote monitoring recovery aid. We invited bladder cancer survivors who underwent a radical cystectomy and their support persons from bladder cancer survivorship groups. We conducted semi-structured interviews regarding participants' experiences during recovery from cystectomy, their perspectives regarding unmet needs, and the resources they used during the perioperative period, emphasizing the 2 weeks following hospital discharge. Transcripts were coded using a deductive/inductive approach. Coded excerpts were summarized to develop themes and subthemes. Findings were refined as needed by consensus to accurately capture participants' experiences. A total of 20 bladder cancer survivors and 5 primary support persons were included. Patient participants were on average 3 years from their cystectomy. Barriers to acute recovery were categorized into system- and patient-level challenges, including difficulty connecting with knowledgeable providers and with information, as well as mental/emotional and physical hurdles. Three key facilitators to patients' acute recovery following cystectomy included identifying indicators of physical progress, facilitating access to provider recommendations, and implementing the survivor perspective into recovery support. This study classified barriers and facilitators to cystectomy recovery. The majority of participants expressed interest in remote monitoring programs. Opportunities exist for stakeholders to improve the acute recovery experience for cystectomy patients through mobile interventions delivered via smartphones and wearable devices.

Bladder Cancer

User-centered design

Cystectomy

Postoperative recovery

Qualitative

Remote monitoring

Details

Title: Subtitle: Survivor-identified barriers and facilitators to acute phase recovery following radical cystectomy
Creators: Kathryn A Marchetti - University of Iowa
Aniket Asees - University of Pittsburgh
Amalendu P Bokil - University of Pittsburgh
Melissa Medich - University of Pittsburgh
Krina C Durica - University of Pittsburgh
James Rieker - Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network
Kimberly Rak - University of Pittsburgh
Tudor Borza - University of Michigan
Mia L Alcorn - University of Pittsburgh
Benjamin J Davies - University of Pittsburgh
Carissa A Low - University of Pittsburgh
Kristian D Stensland - University of Michigan
Bruce L Jacobs - University of Pittsburgh
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Urologic oncology, Vol.44(7), pp.234-242
DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2026.04.293
PMID: 42150484
NLM abbreviation: Urol Oncol
ISSN: 1078-1439
eISSN: 1873-2496
Language: English
Date published: 05/18/2026
Academic Unit: Urology
Record Identifier: 9985164632502771

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