The unmet rehabilitation needs of colorectal cancer survivors after surgery: A qualitative meta‐synthesis

AIM: To systematically review and synthesize the findings of qualitative research on the unmet rehabilitation needs of colorectal cancer survivors (CRC) after surgery. DESIGN: A qualitative meta‐synthesis registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022368837). METHODS: CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Medline, PsychINFO and CINAHL were systematically searched for qualitative studies on the rehabilitation needs of CRC survivors after surgery from the inception of each database to September 2022. RESULTS: A total of 917 relevant reports were initially collected and 14 studies were finally included. A total of 49 needs were extracted and divided into 15 categories in 6 integrated findings: (1) the need to adopt healthy eating habits; (2) the need for exercise motivation and exercise guidance; (3) the conflicting needs to return to work; (4) unaddressed physiological needs; (5) spiritual needs; (6) the need for multi‐dimensional social support. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Not applicable.