Aim:
The aim of this study was to develop a targeted health information package for women to use specifically as a reference during their return to health following a hysterectomy and to subsequently test its usefulness.
Method:
A quasi-experimental design measured the effectiveness of this package in improving the health and satisfaction outcomes of women compared to those who received the standard information. Women undergoing a hysterectomy for benign reasons who were between the ages of 20 and 60 years were included. There were 55 participants recruited into the control group and 44 into the intervention group. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire both prior to and 14-16 weeks post-surgery.
Results:
The study found that there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for their self-reported health, the time taken to return to usual activities and the number of symptoms experienced after surgery. Clinical improvements, however, were noted in the intervention group.
A statistically significant difference was found between the groups for the amount written information that they would have preferred for their recovery (X2 8.26 df2 p=0.011). Ninety percent (90%) of the women who received the intervention wanted the same amount of written information to take home whilst 40% of the control group would have preferred more written information. This indicated a positive effect from the intervention. An unexpected finding in this study was that almost 40% of both groups wanted more verbal information and discussion prior to discharge.
Conclusion:
A valuable aspect of this study was its usefulness in identifying the clinical importance of discussion as part of the discharge process. These findings will be important for health professionals to utilise in their clinical practice for women undergoing a hysterectomy.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/265554 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Warden, Sandra Elizabeth |
| Publisher | Queensland University of Technology |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | Copyright Sandra Elizabeth Warden |
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