Nurses' Support for Postoperative Self-Management of Patients With Breast Cancer

Purpose: Breast cancer is the most dominant cancer among women in Japan and its prevalence has been increasing. Inpatients with breast cancer after surgery are provided with a variety of information and care, however, they need more support than what they currently receive. Many of them receive adjunctive therapy after returning home from hospital, and they require continued nursing support. This study aimed to clarify current support provided by inpatient and outpatient nurses on patients’ self-management and the challenges involved.

Methods: We targeted 151 inpatient/outpatient nurses engaging in nursing for patients with breast cancer at two general hospitals in Japan. Researcher-made questionnaires based on previous research were distributed to the participants. A total of 29 questionnaire items were used, and included six items on demographics and 23 items on information/advice that nurses provided to patients with breast cancer after surgery.

Results: Out of 104 responses 95 were valid (response rate: 91.3%). The participants’ workplaces included: surgery wards, internal medicine wards, and outpatient departments. Nurses in the surgery wards gave the most advice to patients (46%) followed by internal medicine ward and outpatient department. The information/advice frequently provided were “the reason why affected limb should not be injured” (81.4%) and “what precaution should be taken in lifting or holding things with affected limb” (73.2%). In contrast, information that was provided by less than 20% of nurses was “how to choose appropriate body soap” and “comfortable way of fastening seat belt”.

Discussion: Nurses in surgery wards provided information on prevention of complications such as protection of affected limb and infection control as well as on possible physical abnormality after surgery, however, further information related to the challenges patients may meet in their daily life at home in activities of daily living are warranted.

Conclusion: This study suggests that nurses need to listen to and know patients’ concerns and individual situations to provide detailed information that the patients require for their better quality of life after surgery and returning home. Further follow-up and education for patients is necessary concerning their future condition.