Introduction/Background Little is known about the relationship between tumor reductive surgery and quality of life in patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). It is therefore unclear whether it is the surgery or the disease itself that is the main factor affecting the patients’ quality of life. Engaging the user perspective ensures focus on areas considered relevant and important by patients. The aim of the current study was to examine information requested and perceived about tumor reductive surgery in patients with newly diagnosed EOC.

Methodology Participants were recruited through the The Norwegian National Gynaecological Patient Organization. They had all received surgical treatment for advanced ovarian cancer at Norwegian hospitals. Focus for the group discussions was to explore the experiences of surgery in women treated for advanced EOC. One focus group was formed and discussions were moderated by members of the research team using a semi-structured interview format. A total of three sessions with this focus group were planned. The focus group discussions were audiotaped and transcribed, and a meaning condensation analysis was performed. Preliminary findings were shared with the participants for validation before further analysis.

Results Five women were asked and agreed to participate in the focus group discussions. The women had different experiences going through surgery and chemotherapy, but their experiences led to two major themes:

1. communication gap between the time of diagnosis and surgery, and

2. insufficient information given about surgical side-effects.

Conclusion The interviews revealed weaknesses in information given before treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. Guidelines on how to inform the patients should include user-involved research.

Disclosure Nothing to disclose.