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INTRODUCTION: As postoperative length of stay has decreased for many operations, the proportion of complications occurring post-discharge is increasing. Early identification and management of these complications requires overcoming barriers to effective post-discharge monitoring and communication. The aim of this study was to identify barriers to post-discharge monitoring and patient-clinician communication through a qualitative study of surgical clinicians and patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were held with gastrointestinal surgery clinicians and patients. Participants were asked about barriers to post-discharge monitoring and communication. Each transcript was coded by two of four researchers, and recurring themes related to communication and care barriers were identified. RESULTS: A total of 12 clinicians and 15 patients participated in interviews and focus groups. Four themes which encompassed barriers to post-discharge monitoring and communication were identified from clinician interviews and focus groups, and 4 barriers were identified from patient interviews. Patient-identified barriers included education and expectation setting, technology access and literacy, availability of resources and support, and misalignment of communication preferences, while clinician-identified barriers included health education, access to clinical team, healthcare practitioner time constraints, and care team experience and consistency. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple barriers exist to effective post-discharge monitoring and patient-clinician communication among surgical patients. These barriers must be addressed to develop an effective system for post-discharge care after surgery.