Helpfulness of Information and Suggestions
Four and eight weeks after surgery, patients were asked to rate how valuable the educational information was for pain management and resumption of usual activities. The information was rated as very valuable both times (see Table 5). Suggestions to improve nursing and physical therapy services included knowing in advance the various types of discomfort, expected progress, and emotional reactions. Other comments by patients indicated that they had been well informed by the interdisciplinary team, received great guidance, noted good interdisciplinary communication, and were thankful for the opportunity to talk to other women who had the surgery if they requested it.