Satisfaction following immediate breast reconstruction: Experiences in the early post‐operative stage. (20th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murray, Craig D.; Turner, Alexandra; Rehan, Claire; Kovacs, Tibor
• Is Part Of: British journal of health psychology. Volume 20:Part 3(2015)
• Page Start: 579
• Page End: 593
• Publication Date: 2014-06-20
• Subjects: Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-107X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="bjhp12112-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="bjhp12112-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>This qualitative study aimed to achieve an understanding of women's experiences of immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy, to better understand the factors influencing patient satisfaction.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjhp12112-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design</title> <p>Nine women were recruited from a breast unit in the North West of England. Participants were 3–9 months post‐reconstruction, had received either an implant‐based or Latissimus Dorsi‐based immediate reconstruction and were not receiving any adjuvant therapies. An inductive qualitative and phenomenological approach was adopted to data collection and analysis.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjhp12112-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Women took part in semi‐structured interviews. All interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjhp12112-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Four themes were generated: Seeking and receiving information; coping with the outcome of reconstruction; the need for on‐going support and a new life after surgery.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjhp12112-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>The study highlights difficulties surrounding receiving information and decision‐making, how women make sense of recovery, how they solicit and receive support, and the process by which they begin to make sense of their futures. More focus on these areas in service provision may aid positive psychological outcomes in the recovery process following immediate breast reconstruction.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjhp12112-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <p> <boxed-text content-type="box" id="bjhp12112-blkfxd-0001" position="anchor" orientation="portrait"> <label>Statement of contribution</label> <p> <italic> <bold>What is already known on this subject?</bold> </italic> </p> <p> <list id="bjhp12112-list-0001" list-type="bullet"> <list-item> <p>Removal of a breast often results in a loss of body integrity and femininity for women.</p> </list-item> <list-item> <p>More women having immediate breast reconstruction are satisfied than women who have delayed reconstruction.</p> </list-item> <list-item> <p>There is a lack of qualitative research on experiences of immediate reconstruction.</p> </list-item> </list> </p> <p> <italic> <bold>What does this study add?</bold> </italic> </p> <p> <list id="bjhp12112-list-0002" list-type="bullet"> <list-item> <p>The study identifies psychological difficulties around immediate breast reconstruction.</p> </list-item> <list-item> <p>Findings indicate informational and support needs which are important for optimal service provision.</p> </list-item> </list> </p> </boxed-text> </p> </sec> </abstract>