RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A mixed-method study evaluating an innovative care model for rural patients undergoing outpatient breast surgery
JF Canadian Journal of Surgery
JO CAN J SURG
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP E77
OP E84
DO 10.1503/cjs.004923
VO 67
IS 2
A1 Chiu, Sharon
A1 Fowler, Samantha
A1 Bridges, Sarah
A1 Hanson, Natasha
A1 King, Jordan
A1 Street, Sarah
A1 Tait, Heather
A1 Irving, Karen
A1 McLean, Peggy
A1 McLaughlin, Lauren
A1 Gulliver, Adrienne
YR 2024
UL http://canjsurg.ca/content/67/2/E77.abstract
AB Background: The Delta Oasis program was launched in New Brunswick in 2006 to offer patients from rural areas who were undergoing breast cancer surgery and their families 1 night of free accommodations and a postoperative consultation with an extramural nurse. We sought to investigate patient experiences with this program.Methods: This mixed-method retrospective study took place from 2020 to 2022 and compared the preoperative anxiety and quality of recovery of program participants and control patients who were discharged home over 100 km from hospital. We conducted 2 × 2 analysis of variance to evaluate the effects of intervention group and surgery type. We conducted semistructured interviews with intervention participants, which we then thematically analyzed. Two patient partners were engaged during data synthesis to support the interpretation of results.Results: We included 34 patients who participated in the program and 18 control patients. No statistically significant differences were found between treatment groups in preoperative anxiety and quality of recovery, regardless of surgery type. Thematic analysis of interviews with 17 intervention participants revealed that they were highly satisfied with the program and that the experience helped reduce stress and discomfort related to their surgery.Interpretation: The Delta Oasis program is a cost-effective alternative to inpatient care after breast cancer surgery and is highly regarded by rural patients; expansion to other regions with the inclusion of additional low-risk surgeries could help address hospital capacity issues. This study contributes to our understanding of the patient experience with the Delta Oasis program and informs the development of similar programs elsewhere.