Peri-Operative Surgical Care Optimisation for Patients Requiring Emergency Surgery

Emergency General Surgery (EGS) is an umbrella term which describes all patients presenting to hospital with an acute abdominal problem. Patients can have various conditions requiring emergency operations. EGS is one of the most common reasons for an emergency admission in the UK.

EGS is often referred to as "high-risk" surgery. For those patients who do survive after their surgery, many struggle with frailty and new medical problems resulting in a reduction in their quality of life (QoL).

The goal of this observational study is to explore QoL and decision-making in EGS through questionnaires and interviews with patients, families/supporters and consultants working in EGS.

Workstream 1 will involve patients and families/supporters. Workstream 2 will involve consultants.

The investigators are interested in patients who have either undergone EGS (EmLaps) or have needed but not undergone EGS (NoLaps). The investigators are interested in exploring participants (patients, families/supporters and consultants) experiences of this EmLap vs NoLap decision.

The main questions the investigators want to answer are:

* What is the long-term QOL of EmLap/NoLap patients and their family/supporters? * How do patients and their family/supporters describe their experience of decision-making in EGS? * What are consultant's experiences and views on decision-making in EGS?

Workstream 1 participants (patients and family members/supporters) will complete questionnaires and take part in interviews at different time-points following their decision (1 month/3 months/ 9-12 months). Questionnaires and interviews will explore QoL and decision-making in EGS.

Consultant participants will be asked to complete an online survey and/or take part in an individual interview. Both will explore decision-making in EGS.