Exploring the Role of Partner Satisfaction in Predicting Patient Satisfaction Regarding Post-mastectomy Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

Background: Qualitative studies have suggested that perceived partner satisfaction is an important predictor of patient satisfaction in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. To better characterize these relationships, a couple-based study employing a quantitative analysis was conducted. Methods: BREAST-Q and a novel partner survey were used to assess relationships among patient satisfaction, perceived partner satisfaction, and reported partner satisfaction in 11 couples. Breast reconstruction patients completed the postoperative BREAST-Q, and their partners completed a survey designed to assess satisfaction with their emotional relationship, partner’s breasts, partner’s medical care, and sexual relationship. Results: The majority of patients were married. Seventy-three percent of women had an implant-based reconstruction, while 27% had an abdominal-based reconstruction. The majority (82%) of patients reported no complications with reconstructive procedures. The mean patient BREAST-Q score was 86 (range, 48–97), and the mean partner score was 87 (64–98). There was a correlation of 0.85 between reported partner satisfaction and patient satisfaction. Fifty-eight percent of partners reported being afraid to touch their partner’s reconstructed breasts out of fear of causing pain; 7% of patients reported experiencing pain in the area of their reconstructed breasts. Conclusions: This study reveals that partner satisfaction with breast reconstruction correlates with patient satisfaction. With this knowledge, we will be able to formulate suggestions on how preoperative consultations could be conducted as to optimize patient and partner satisfaction and bridge the gap between patient and partner knowledge of postoperative pain.

Women’s satisfaction and body image long-term after risk-reducing mastectomy – the partners’ perspective

“…The current ndings support the validity of these statements as their partners reported that the women experienced problems in the same direction. Similar ndings were described in a recent quantitative study including 11 breast cancer patients and their partners, speci cally that a strong positive correlation was observed between the partner and patient satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of the breast reconstruction after mastectomy [30]. Subgroup analyses comparing women with and without a previous breast cancer diagnosis were not possible in this present study due to the small sample size.…”

Setting the Stage for Success: Evaluating Both Partner and Patient Satisfaction with Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction

“…10 Based on other's data as well as our own, we created a handout entitled, "Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction: Tips for Supporting your Partner" which may be used as an additional resource for partners (Appendix 3). 15,18,20,22 Our current study demonstrates that our novel partner survey has an acceptable level of internal consistency, and thus, may be used as a viable option for assessing partner satisfaction with emotional relationship, partner's breasts, partner's medical care, and sexual relationship.…”

“…14 Data from this study supported the presence of a relationship between overall patient and partner satisfaction with post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. 15 Despite the strong correlation, notable discrepancies existed between patient and partner, speci cally with relation to post-operative sexual experience and understanding of appropriate post-operative expectations. 15 To further investigate the complex relationship between patient and partner experience, and ultimately satisfaction, with post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, we performed an extension of our pilot study, this time including both patients and partners who had undergone mastectomy alone or in combination with breast reconstruction.…”

“…15 Despite the strong correlation, notable discrepancies existed between patient and partner, speci cally with relation to post-operative sexual experience and understanding of appropriate post-operative expectations. 15 To further investigate the complex relationship between patient and partner experience, and ultimately satisfaction, with post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, we performed an extension of our pilot study, this time including both patients and partners who had undergone mastectomy alone or in combination with breast reconstruction. In congruence with historical work and our preliminary data, we expected to nd a positive relationship between both choice to undergo reconstruction and partner satisfaction.…”

Evaluating Both Partner and Patient Satisfaction With Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction

“…14 Data from this study supported the presence of a relationship between overall patient and partner satisfaction with postmastectomy breast reconstruction. 15 Despite the strong correlation, notable discrepancies existed between patient and partner, specifically with relation to postoperative sexual experience and understanding of appropriate postoperative expectations. 15 To further investigate the complex relationship between patient and partner experience, and ultimately satisfaction, with postmastectomy breast reconstruction, we performed an extension of our pilot study, this time including both patients and partners who had undergone mastectomy alone or in combination with breast reconstruction.…”