Life Experience of Self – Care after Breast Cancer using Modified Radical Mastectomy Method and Caring Radivac Drain Placement at Home: A Phenomenological Case Study
ประสบการณ์ชีวิตในการดูแลตนเองหลังการผ่าตัดมะเร็งเต้านมแบบถอนรากชนิดปรับปรุงและได้รับการใส่สายท่อระบายกลับบ้าน : กรณีศึกษาเชิงปรากฎการณ์วิทยา
Keywords:
Breast cancer patients, modified radical mastectomy, life experiencesAbstract
Introduction: Breast cancer patients who undergo modified radical mastectomy and are discharged with surgical drains are required to continue self-care at home. During this period, they may experience multidimensional impacts, both physically and psychologically. However, existing research exploring patients’ lived experiences after returning home remains limited.
Research Objective: To explore the lived experiences of patients who have undergone a modified radical mastectomy and were discharged with a drainage tube.
Research Methodology: A qualitative research study using a phenomenological case study approach was conducted through in-depth interviews with breast cancer patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy and were discharged with surgical drains. The study employed a snowball sampling method, selecting a total of 10 participants.
Results: The study identified four key themes: 1) experiences of stress and anxiety, 2) self-care management, 3) access to information, and 4) adaptation to the new normal.
Conclusion: Self-care management challenges primarily involved managing surgical drains and wound care. Financial factors also influenced home care. Receiving adequate information before discharge played a crucial role in helping patients navigate the transition to the new normal.
Implications: This study contributes to knowledge on planning patient care from hospital admission to discharge, aligning with Thailand’s healthcare context to ensure a smoother transition to the new normal.
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