Early discharge following breast surgery: assessing care, support, and informational needs of women with early breast cancer in Australia.

The overall aims of the present study were to identify differences among women with early breast cancer who were discharged early from the hospital (within 48 h) and those who remained for routine admission in relation to demographic variables, informational needs, supportive needs, complications and satisfaction with care. A random sample of 544 women diagnosed with early breast cancer was recruited to participate in a telephone survey via State and Territory cancer registries. Findings revealed little significant difference among women participating in early discharge and routine care in relation to demographics variables, informational needs, complication and satisfaction with care. Women participating in early discharge, however, were significantly less likely to be seen by a specialist breast care nurse or a volunteer with breast cancer. Prior to establishing early discharge as routine care, it is essential to establish clear health policy relating to early discharge and adequate follow-up services for women with breast cancer.