The correlation of decision regret, self-efficacy and satisfaction with information in the preoperative period in breast reconstruction patients

Abstract

Objective To describe the status of breast reconstruction patients' decision regret, self-efficacy and satisfaction with information in the preoperative period, and discuss the correlation among them. Methods Four instruments were used to investigate 100 breast reconstruction patients in one tertiary hospital in Guangzhou, including participants' personal profile, Decision Regret Scale, Modified Stanford Self-Efficacy Scale and the subscale of Information Satisfaction of Breast Reconstruction-Questionnaire. Results The mean score of Decision Regret Scale was (10.8±2.5)points in breast reconstruction patients, and the minority of patients experienced decision regret (30%, 30/100). The mean score of self-efficacy and satisfaction with information in the preoperative period were (6.6±1.9) and (2.9±0.6) points. The study also found that decision regret was negatively correlated with self-efficacy and satisfaction with information in the preoperative period (P < 0.01). Conclusions Totally 30 percent of patients experienced decision regret to undergo breast reconstruction. However, patients who had lower levels of self-efficacy and satisfaction with information in the preoperative period were at greater risk to experience decision regret to undergo breast reconstruction. The results may assist health care professionals to provide appropriate psychological support, care and information. Key words: Decision making; Patient satisfaction; Breast reconstruction; Self-efficacy