Experiences and resources of breast cancer patients in short-stay surgery

Aimed at increasing the understanding and improving the quality of nursing care for breast cancer patients in short-stay surgery, this qualitative study set out to describe the experiences and, the intra- and extra-personal coping resources these patients. The data were collected among eight breast cancer patients (n = 8). On the whole the patients described short-stay surgery as a positive experience. They felt they had been discharged at the right time. The patients thought they had coped well and received valuable emotional, informational and instrumental support from health care personnel at each phase of the illness process. The breast cancer coordinator, in particular, served as a safety net for the patients. Informational support from health care personnel was considered adequate at the illness phase, but there was evidence of some lack of information at the care phase and current phase. Lack of knowledge about follow-up treatment was a major source of fear and anxiety for the patients. Later on, family members and friends served as important extra-personal coping resources, providing emotional and instrumental support. In addition, the patients' own intra-personal coping resources were essential during all the phases.