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Satisfaction following immediate breast reconstruction: Experiences in the early post‐operative stage
Author(s) -
Murray Craig D.,
Turner Alexandra,
Rehan Claire,
Kovacs Tibor
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
british journal of health psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 2044-8287
pISSN - 1359-107X
DOI - 10.1111/bjhp.12112
Subject(s) - breast reconstruction , qualitative research , thematic analysis , coping (psychology) , femininity , psychology , focus group , interpretative phenomenological analysis , mastectomy , breast cancer , medicine , psychotherapist , social science , cancer , marketing , sociology , psychoanalysis , business
Objectives This qualitative study aimed to achieve an understanding of women's experiences of immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy, to better understand the factors influencing patient satisfaction. Design Nine women were recruited from a breast unit in the N orth W est of E ngland. Participants were 3–9 months post‐reconstruction, had received either an implant‐based or L atissimus D orsi‐based immediate reconstruction and were not receiving any adjuvant therapies. An inductive qualitative and phenomenological approach was adopted to data collection and analysis. Methods Women took part in semi‐structured interviews. All interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Four themes were generated: Seeking and receiving information; coping with the outcome of reconstruction; the need for on‐going support and a new life after surgery. Conclusion The study highlights difficulties surrounding receiving information and decision‐making, how women make sense of recovery, how they solicit and receive support, and the process by which they begin to make sense of their futures. More focus on these areas in service provision may aid positive psychological outcomes in the recovery process following immediate breast reconstruction.Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject?Removal of a breast often results in a loss of body integrity and femininity for women. More women having immediate breast reconstruction are satisfied than women who have delayed reconstruction. There is a lack of qualitative research on experiences of immediate reconstruction.What does this study add?The study identifies psychological difficulties around immediate breast reconstruction. Findings indicate informational and support needs which are important for optimal service provision.