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Patient satisfaction with 23-hour "short-stay" observation following breast cancer surgery
C C Burke1, C L Zabka, K J McCarver
1Sarcoma Center, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, USA.
Purpose/Objectives:
To determine what problems patients undergoing breast cancer surgery experienced following discharge after participating in a 23-hour short-stay observation program and to explore their perceptions of the short-stay experience.
Design:
Descriptive and exploratory.
Setting:
A comprehensive cancer center in an urban setting.
Sample:
52 women undergoing modified radical mastectomy, segmental mastectomy (lumpectomy) with axillary node dissection, simple mastectomy, or other breast procedures.
Methods:
Telephone interviews 24-72 hours and 7-10 days after discharge using questionnaires developed by the investigators.
Main Research Variables:
Postoperative difficulties, satisfaction with pain relief, positive and negative aspects of the short-stay process, and discharge to home.
Findings:
Most patients had no difficulty with drain and incision care (84%), reported satisfactory analgesic relief with their prescribed medications (> 95%), and were prepared to leave the hospital on first postoperative day (85%). Patient education and care provided by physicians and nurses were highly rated. Although most responses were highly favorable, some women desired longer hospitalization (21%) and greater privacy while on the observation unit (13%).
Conclusions:
By coordinating inpatient and outpatient services, short-stay observation following breast cancer surgery can be accomplished in a safe environment that patients perceive to be satisfactory and of high quality.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Short-stay observation is feasible for appropriately prepared postoperative patients who normally are managed on traditional impatient units.