Two models of care as evaluated by a group of women operated on for breast cancer with regard to their perceived well-being

The main aim of this study was to evaluate two different models of care for breast cancer patients with regard to the patients' perceived well-being. Twenty-nine patients were treated in an established care model and 115 patients were treated at a surgical breast clinic with an increased personnel continuity and a short hospital stay. Two questionnaires were used, The Sense of Coherence (SOC) Scale and a study-specific questionnaire concerning perceptions of the hospital stay, information received, body image, social support, pain, health and psycho-sociological well-being. Regression analyses were used to study the effects of the care models and the SOC on the patients' perceived well-being. The results showed that the care model with high personnel continuity had a significant positive effect on the patients' emotional state, mental well-being and perception of postoperative pain evaluated 1 year after surgery. The strongest predictors of the patients' well-being postoperatively were their perceived well-being before surgery. Furthermore, the stronger the SOC the more positive were the patients' emotional perceptions, perceived general health and mental well-being after surgery. The duration of the hospital stay did not show any effect on the patients' well-being. It is concluded that an early preoperative psycho-social assessment of the patients is of importance in planning the care, to help patients cope with the disease and its treatment. It is suggested that a care model with high personnel continuity for breast cancer patients could facilitate that assessment.