Breast Reconstruction: Impact of Patient-Centered, Expectations-Based Education on Women Undergoing Reconstructive Surgery After Mastectomy

Background: Among patients undergoing breast reconstruction, preoperative expectations for improvement may not match postoperative results. Discordance between provided preoperative information and what patients actually hear and understand may be a factor contributing to these unrealistic expectations.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of patient-centered, expectations-based education on women undergoing breast reconstruction.

Methods: The 27 participants completed a preoperative questionnaire concerning their postoperative expectations. The nurse practitioner tailored preoperative education based on questionnaire results. A postoperative questionnaire was given to assess patient satisfaction with the preoperative information provided.

Findings: A high percentage of survey participants agreed that they had received an appropriate amount of education, believed they were well prepared for surgery, and knew what to expect in the recovery period.