Patient-Guided Breast Reconstruction Education

Background Breast reconstructive surgeons must discuss large amounts of information in an expedient manner to a growing group of women. Our aim is to identify the breast reconstruction resources women prefer and how they desire information to be conveyed in order to develop patient-guided reconstruction education. Methods A preoperative and postoperative breast reconstruction survey was given to women planning to undergo breast reconstruction or who have already undergone reconstruction. The surveys asked women to rank educational resources utilized. Questions on the timing of information gathering, desired educational content, and wish to speak with other breast reconstruction women were included. Results One hundred and fifty consecutive women were enrolled in the study, 50 in the preoperative group and 100 in the postoperative group. Preoperatively, women wish to utilize their surgeon more than any other resource, and the postoperative survey identified that patients utilize their surgeon even more than expected (p < 0.05). Internet and pamphlets were utilized second and third most frequently. Women desired an interactive compact disc significantly more than this resource is currently being utilized (p < 0.05). There was a strong desire to speak to women who had undergone the process. Sixty-six per cent of women indicated they would attend two or more meetings to learn about breast reconstruction. Conclusion The reconstructive surgeon remains the most important educational resource for their patients. Providing consultation over more than one meeting, adding uncommonly discussed content (specifics on postoperative care, body image changes and expectations) to the consultation, and connecting reconstruction patients may improve preoperative consultations and satisfaction with the process of breast reconstruction.