Congress Abstracts 2004

76

A COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM FOR BREAST EDUCATION AND FOLLOW-UP. Sue Kruse, RN, BSN, OCN^®, and Margaret Rummel, RN, BSN, MHA, OCN^®, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA; Lisa Aiello, RN, MSN, OCN^®, Pennsylvania Hematology Oncology Associates, Philadelphia, PA; and Cathy Fortenbaugh, RN, MSN, AOCN^®, Capital Health System, Trenton, NJ.

The Oncology Nursing Leadership Group of our institution identified a need for patient education on breast cancer surgery. Most patients are discharged the day of surgery and have to deal not only with post-op pain, but also the fear and uncertainty of a new diagnosis of cancer. Nurses are in the unique position of assisting patients through this process.

We sought a way to address these needs and the time constraints of same-day surgery. Our goals were (1) to provide all patients with a Breast Surgery Education Kit, (2) to maintain phone contact with these patients at regular intervals to discuss problems and concerns and reinforce teaching, (3) to make referrals and provide financial support as needed, and (4) to find funding to support this program.

The group received a grant to fund the program. Funding was used to purchase materials for the kit to be given to all patients undergoing breast surgery, including a variety of resources to help the patient in understanding and coping with the surgical procedure and diagnosis. In addition, patients were contacted at home by one of the outpatient nurses at several intervals throughout the next year. Patients were asked specific questions about their recovery, from surgery, symptom management, continued treatment and follow-up care, and coping strategies. Any problems were communicated to the patient’s physician.

Follow-up data has been completed on 152 patients since the beginning of the program. Our data shows the optimal time for intervention was at the two-month time frame postoperatively as patients were most receptive to the calls at that time and had the most identifiable needs with possible interventions.

This project showed the importance of postoperative follow-up and at what point in time it would be most beneficial to the patient. In addition, it improved patient care and patient satisfaction for patients having breast surgery.