Abstract
The purpose of this research study was to determine whether a high level education session with a nurse during the preoperative clinic visit improved the patient's ability to identify signs, symptoms, and risk factors of lymphedema, which is a possible complication related to breast cancer surgery. The study used a pretest posttest descriptive research design. The participant sample included 23 female patients, scheduled to undergo either a sentinel node biopsy or an axillary dissection for their breast cancer. Prior to specific interventions, participants were given a baseline assessment to evaluate current knowledge of lymphedema and to collect demographic data. Post-education assessments were completed immediately after the educational sessions, and again at the participants post-operative clinic visit. Scores from all time points were examined, with the average score on patient surveys improving by nearly 15% after the education session, indicating that knowledge was retained. The results of the study suggest that a specific nurse guided education session with breast cancer surgery patients during the preoperative visit is effective in improving identification of lymphedema signs, symptoms and risk factors. Additional research into the effects of a continuing education program is warranted to improve upon knowledge retention and self-care practices.
Highlights
Advancements in treatment regimens for breast cancer patients through clinical research has improved survival and placed emphasis on maintaining quality of life for breast cancer survivors
Suggest lymphedema education is not given to patients in a timely fashion
The results of the research study were successful in that a special nurse guided education session and video on lymphedema during the pre-operative visit improved the patient’s knowledge of lymphedema risk factors, signs and symptoms related to their breast cancer surgery
Summary
Advancements in treatment regimens for breast cancer patients through clinical research has improved survival and placed emphasis on maintaining quality of life for breast cancer survivors. Complications associated with breast cancer surgery can affect quality of life for patients, including the risk of developing lymphedema. Many previous studies have focused on identifying the risk factors, signs and symptoms of lymphedema, but more research should focus on preventive practices and education to reduce risks associated with lack of knowledge of lymphedema. With very few studies related to the implementation of an education program on lymphedema, there is need to identify whether lymphedema education can improve knowledge retention in the pre and post-operative settings. This pilot study was aimed to assess baseline knowledge of lymphedema signs, symptoms and risk factors, and evaluate the effectiveness of nurse guided education in knowledge retention
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