Same-day breast cancer surgery: a qualitative study of women's lived experiences.
OBJECTIVE
To understand the experiences of women having same-day breast cancer surgery and make recommendations to assist healthcare professionals effect change to enhance quality of care.


METHODS
Thematic analysis of audiotaped interviews.


METHODS
Outpatient departments of two city hospitals on the east coast of Canada.


METHODS
Purposive sample of 13 women who had undergone same-day breast cancer surgery.


METHODS
A constructivist approach with in-depth interviews and comparative analysis to develop and systemically organize data into four major interrelated themes and a connecting essential thread.


METHODS
Women's experiences with same-day breast cancer surgery.


RESULTS
The themes of preparation, timing, supports, and community health nursing intervention were of paramount importance for effective coping and recovery. Women who had a positive experience with same-day breast cancer surgery also reported having adequate preparation, appropriate timing of preparation, strong support systems, and sufficient community health nursing intervention. Those reporting a negative experience encountered challenges in one or more of the identified theme areas.


CONCLUSIONS
Same-day surgery is a sign of the times, and the approach to it is changing. Healthcare systems need to be responsive to such changes. Although same-day surgery for breast cancer is not suitable for every patient, women undergoing this type of surgery should be assessed individually to determine whether it is appropriate for them.


CONCLUSIONS
Women undergoing breast cancer surgery should be screened for same-day surgery suitability. Those having same-day breast cancer surgery should be prepared adequately with timely education. Most importantly, such women should receive community health nursing follow-up for assessment, continuing education, and psychosocial support.
Greenslade
M Victoria
MV
Center for Nursing Studies, St. John's, Canada. vgreenslade@cns.nf.ca
Elliott
Barbara
B
Mandville-Anstey
Sue Ann
SA
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery; D003152:Community Health Nursing; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D013527:Perioperative Nursing; D012944:Social Support