Nurse-led Early Discharge After Breast Cancer Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Wells M, Harrow A, Donnan P, Davey P, Devereux S, Little G, McKenna E, Wood R, Chen R, Thompson A
Primary Institution: University of Dundee
Hypothesis
Nurse-led early discharge would not adversely affect quality of life or carer burden at 2 weeks after surgery.
Conclusion
Nurse-led early discharge following axillary clearance for breast cancer is safe and does not negatively impact quality of life or carer burden.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients in the early discharge group had a mean hospital stay of 3.96 days compared to 6.22 days in the control group.
- 90% of carers in the early discharge group would choose the same care again compared to 78% in the control group.
- At 2 weeks post-surgery, conventional stay patients were significantly more likely to have a wound infection.
- Carers in the early discharge group reported less disruption in their lives compared to those in the conventional stay group.
Takeaway
This study shows that patients can go home sooner after breast cancer surgery without problems, which helps them feel better and supports their families.
Methodology
The study involved randomising female patients requiring axillary clearance surgery into two groups: one receiving nurse-led early discharge and the other a conventional hospital stay.
Potential Biases
The study could be biased due to the inability to blind participants and staff involved in the intervention.
Limitations
The study excluded a significant portion of potential patients based on geographical or social ineligibility, and the sample size was smaller than initially planned.
Participant Demographics
Participants were female patients with breast cancer, average age around 55, with a mix of education levels and comorbidities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI difference −2.74 to −1.78 days
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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