1. Patients’ perspective on early discharge with drain in situ after breast cancer surgery
- Author
-
Laila Al-Balushi and Suad Al-Kharosui
- Subjects
General Medicine - Abstract
Due to the increasing number of breast cancer (BC) cases in Oman and the impact of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on bed situation in the hospital, a policy of early discharge (ED) with drain after BC surgery was initiated at one of the tertiary hospitals in Oman. The uniqueness of this policy is no home visit follow-up conducted after discharge and the main mode of communication was through social media account (Instagram media). This policy then was evaluated by conducting a quasi-experimental study using a survey with ten open and closed-ended questions, five questions to explore patient experience using a five-point Likert scale. A total of 41 female patients responded to the survey. Almost 96% of the participants stated being well informed about drain care pre- and post-surgery at home. 9% of the participants developed early sign of infection and was managed at out-patient clinics. Participants with bilateral drains expressed more pain than those with single drain. 90% stated satisfied being discharged with breast drain whereas 10% preferred to stay in the hospital until the drains were removed. This study found that the policy of ED with a drain after breast cancer (BC) surgery is practical and well-accepted by most patients. The role of breast nurse and presence of family and institutional support enhanced the success of the policy implementation. To optimize patient care, conducting a training program by breast nurse for nurses at local health centres about care management of patients with drain could improve care and enhance patient satisfaction.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF