HYSTERECTOMY: WHAT DO WOMEN NE AND ...

HYSTERECTOMY: WHAT DO WOMEN NE AND WANT TO KNOW? J Wade et al Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing Vol 29 (January/February 2000) 33-42

Hysterectomies are united of the most common surgical conducts women undergo in the United States, to such a degree the nursing community should explore the two the physiological and psychosocial tenors of this procedure using a variety of methodologies (ie, qualitative, quantitative, delphi). This qualitative inquiry examined women's personal hysterectomy experiences to discover possible fears, make anxiouss or education needs they believe were not addressed adequately.

Design and sample. The close attention design was a written measure and estimate used to collect narrative data of women's hysterectomy experiences. Of 200 women from southeastern Wisconsin that received the contemplate 181 (91%) returned it. The women's mean age was 43 heritage was 90% European-American, and 63% were married or living with a partner. More than 80% were literary institution [i]or[/i] seminary of learning prepared, and 94% were employed

arrangement Researchers conducted a thematic make easy analysis of demographic data and written replys from 102 women. Women were asked three open-end questions.

* Overall, to what extent would you describe your hysterectomy experience?

* What fears, troubles or questions related to your hysterectomy do you still have?

* for what reason could your educational needs regarding your hysterectomy have been better met or served?

Researchers recognized that collecting cross-sectional data in united community from a homogenous sample and the fact that women's experiential descriptions required recall were limitations of the study

originates Researchers discovered seven themes demonstrating similarities and differences among the participants. common theme, positive aspects, demonstrated that 61 women received relief from harassing symptoms, received good information and support from their providers, and actively participated in decision making.

Another theme, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) showed that 45 of 77 women receiving HRT were fearful and pertain toed due to a lack of information and participation in decision making. an also thought their health care provider did not escort adequate follow-up care or monitoring after prescribing HRT

A third theme, insufficient information, showed that 38 of participants consideration they received insufficient information about hysterectomy, their possess anatomy and physiology, and menopause. These women wanted passing from hand to hand literature, books, articles, or videotapes.

Sexual transactions yet another theme, showed that 20 participants deliberation the health care system lacked a form for providing emotional support over the hysterectomy experience. These women wanted prehysterectomy and posthysterectomy support clumps a hotline for questions, and opportunities for interpersonal female discussion.

Psychologic sequelae and feelings of los another theme, demonstrated that 17 women experienced psychological distress associated with hysterectomy, ranging from humor swings to one instance of clinical depression. A small number of women of childbearing age reported feelings of grief and los Changes in femininity, corpse image, and issues related to infertility also were mentioned by dint of respondents.

Discussion. Researchers reported the greatest in quantity common themes among participants included a ne for accurate and realistic information before and after surgery; provider support; and access to adequate resource classifications related to positive aspects of hysterectomy. Many women experienced difficulty obtaining information and support, although the demographic characteristics intimateed that they were positioned to obtain the information and services needed

coming events research should include women from diverse ethnic arranges and socially disadvantaged women living in foreign areas. Women's health care delivery combination of parts to form a wholes and organizational structures also should be researched in depth

Based upon the results of this research perioperative nurses practicing in surgical suites, delivery suites, and women's center ne to provide adequate preoperative and postoperative surgical information, as well as organized support theorys for women undergoing hysterectomies or other major life-changing surgeries. Providing expand and accessible relationships that encourage inclusive decision-making with patients will contribute to an monotonous intraoperative experience and an overall positive patient outcome

ROSIE leeward CALVIN RN, DNS NURSING RESEARCH COMMITTEE 1998-2000

P RENEE WILLIAMS RN MSN CCE DIRECTOR OF CONTINUING EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER sect OF NURSING JACKSON, MISS

COPYRIGHT 2000 Association of Operating apartment Nurses, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group