Abstract
BackgroundFor patients undergoing breast cancer surgery, the pre- and post-operative periods can be characterised by feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Telehealth offers an opportunity to provide perioperative support to surgical patients and overcome some of the barriers to accessing care.AimsIn order to inform the development of a telehealth support model for women undergoing breast cancer surgery, this feasibility study explored: (a) access and preferences for telehealth; and (b) the proportion of participants who reported problems with unmet information and preparation needs related to surgery, post-operative pain, anxiety, and quality of life.MethodsWomen aged 18–85 years attending for a follow-up appointment within 2 months of undergoing surgery for breast cancer were asked to complete a baseline (T1) and 1-month follow-up (T2) survey. Surveys assessed telehealth access and preferences, preparatory information receipt and preparedness for surgery, and anxiety, pain, and quality of life.ResultsFifty-three T1 (45% consent rate) and 50 T2 surveys were returned. One fifth of the sample (20%) travelled 50 km or more to access surgery. Most participants had access to a device suitable for telehealth (75%); however, only 15% indicated that they would have accepted a teleconsultation with their surgeon post-operatively if this had been offered. The most frequently reported unmet preparatory information needs were information about: how long it would take to recover from the surgery; how other patients had experienced similar surgery; and practical needs such as parking or transport. Approximately one third of the sample reported potentially clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, and less than one in ten women reported moderate levels of pain.ConclusionsWhile the majority of women had access to a suitable device and internet connection for telehealth, less than one fifth would have accepted a home-based video-link teleconsultation with their surgeon post-operatively. A small proportion of the sample would have liked more information about aspects of surgery including about managing side effects and anxiety. The key findings in terms of teleconsultation preferences and information and preparation needs from this study will be incorporated into the telehealth support model being developed.
Highlights
For patients undergoing breast cancer surgery, the pre- and post-operative periods can be characterised by feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty
The key findings in terms of teleconsultation preferences and information and preparation needs from this study will be incorporated into the telehealth support model being developed
Telehealth support has not been widely tested for breast cancer surgery patients in the Australian context
Summary
For patients undergoing breast cancer surgery, the pre- and post-operative periods can be characterised by feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Telehealth offers an opportunity to provide perioperative support to surgical patients and overcome some of the barriers to accessing care. For patients undergoing surgery for their breast cancer, the pre- and post-operative periods can be characterised by feelings of fear, anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty [3,4,5]. The provision of information to guide expectations for surgical procedures and outcomes can improve patient outcomes, including reducing rates of post-operative complications and levels of anxiety and pain [6]. Telehealth presents an opportunity to provide information and support to surgical breast cancer patients [6] and can address a range of psychosocial [8], financial, and practical burdens [9]. Telehealth may be suitable in this setting, given that almost a third of the population live outside of major cities [12], which often entails travelling large distances to receive breast cancer treatment [13]
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