Original Article

Informational Needs of Postmastectomy Patients

10.5152/tjbh.2016.3062

  • Duygu Soydaş Yeşilyurt
  • Ümmü Yıldız Fındık

Received Date: 23.03.2016 Accepted Date: 12.05.2016 Eur J Breast Health 2016;12(4):155-157

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine informational needs of postmastectomy patients.

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive study was conducted in the general surgery clinics of a university health center for medical research and practice with 72 voluntary patients. For data collection, a patient identification form was used, which was prepared by the researchers in accordance with the literature.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 52.66±13.39 years, 87% were married, 58% had primary school education, 76% had moderate economic status, and 53% had undergone simple mastectomy.

It was determined that 83% of the patients wanted to be informed about hospital and home care interventions, 82% about symptoms and prevention of post-surgical problems, 76% regarding breast cancer and treatment options, and in the range of 54-68%, patients wanted information on the effects of surgery on the body, shoulder and arm exercises, breast self-examination, the effects of breast cancer on family and work life, lymphedema and prevention interventions.

Conclusion:

We recommend that patients with mastectomy should be informed about topics including care interventions, breast cancer and treatment options, effects of surgery, and reducing these effects.

Keywords: Breast cancer, informational needs, nursing care, mastectomy