Table 1 Participant characteristics

Gender, n (%)

Man– 1 (14)

Woman– 6 (86)

Relationship to patient, n (%)

Spouse– 4 (57)

Adult Child– 3 (43)

Living with patient, n (%)

Yes − 5 (71)

No − 2 (29)

Self-reported health status, n (%)

Poor − 0 (0)

Fair − 3 (43)

Good − 2 (29)

Very Good − 1 (14)

Excellent − 1 (14)

Education, n (%)

Some high school − 1 (14)

Completed high school − 2 (29)

Diploma/undergraduate degree − 4 (57)

Patient’s surgery type, n (%)

Gynecological– 2 (33)

Thoracics– 2 (33)

Urology– 1 (17)

Otolaryngology– 1 (17)

Patient’s CFS score, n (%)

4 [vulnerable]– 3 (50)

5 [mildly frail]– 3 (50)

Time between surgery and interview, n (%)

3 months– 1 (17)

4 months– 1 (17)

7 months– 2 (33)

9 months– 2 (33)