title: A randomised trial of nursing interventions supporting recovery of the postmastectomy patient.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This ABC to recovery study evaluated the combined and separate components of preoperative education and the effectiveness of wearing the Papilla Gown.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Surgical removal of the breast may lead to activity limitation, self-image issues, discomfort and later complication of lymphoedema. Design.  This study used experimental and longitudinal design.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and forty-five women undergoing mastectomies for stages two and three breast cancer were randomised into four groups: education and Papilla Gown, education only, gown only and control. The outcomes of activity (A), body image (B), comfort (C), knowledge and lymphoedema were assessed at baseline and/or 1 week and 6 months using three measures. All 145 participants completed the study questionnaires at first two measures, and forty-six of these participants completed the questionnaires at 6 months postoperatively. The setting for the study included two clinics and hospitals. To examine statistical significance at each time point after surgery, 2-way anovas were performed on ABC, knowledge and tape measurement to see whether there were any statistically significant differences between the four groups. All reported p-values are two sided. All statistical analyses were performed using sas 9.2 for Windows.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of the sample was 55 years. The study revealed that women who received the combined intervention demonstrated greater activity. Women who wore the gown only had a greater comfort level and decreased lymphoedema. Women that received preoperative education experienced increased knowledge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Outcomes suggest that the combined intervention (ABCs to recovery) can improve recovery following mastectomy. Relevance to clinical practice. The results will be used to further modify the intervention and to increase awareness of nurse practitioners and other healthcare professionals of the specific needs of postmastectomy patients.
authors: Texas Woman's University, Dallas, TX 75235, USA. hcho@twu.edu
authors: Ho Soon Michelle
authors: HS
authors: Cho
authors: Gail C
authors: GC
authors: Davis
authors: Jae Eun
authors: JE
authors: Paek
authors: Roshni
authors: R
authors: Rao
authors: Hong
authors: H
authors: Zhao
authors: Xian-Jin
authors: XJ
authors: Xie
authors: Mary G
authors: MG
authors: Yousef
authors: Tara
authors: T
authors: Fedric
authors: David H
authors: DH
authors: Euhus
authors: Marilyn
authors: M
authors: Leitch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001828:Body Image; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000451:nursing*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care