Patients’ perspective on early discharge with drain in situ after breast cancer surgery

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.