Sleep quality after autologous breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Sleep is a fundamental aspect of human health and well-being, but is often interrupted in a hospital setting. Especially after surgery, poor sleep quality can negatively affect postoperative recovery and quality of life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gain insights into the quality of sleep in patients after autologous breast reconstruction and evaluate factors associated with the quality of sleep. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center observational cohort study, participants completed a sleep diary, including the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and EQ-5D-5L quality of life questionnaire, before surgery, during hospital admission, and two weeks and three months postoperative. Additional variables such as pain and anesthesia duration were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were included. Before the surgery, 58% of them experienced poor quality of sleep, with a median PSQI score of 5.0. During hospital admission, 83% of the patients had poor quality of sleep, with a PSQI score of 6.0. The PSQI score two weeks postoperative increased to 7.0 and decreased three months postoperative to 5.0. Patients with pain scores >4 ("pain" group), had higher median PSQI scores than patients with pain scores ≤4 ("no pain" group) at all postoperative time points previously mentioned. No correlation was observed between anesthesia duration or quality of life. CONCLUSION: Poor sleep quality was experienced by most women after autologous breast reconstruction, especially in those with higher postoperative pain scores. This knowledge offers an opportunity to improve the postoperative care for such patients.

Screening for psychosocial distress in patients with long-term home parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Long-term home parenteral nutrition (HPN) may cause distress and negatively affect quality of life (QoL). The HPN version of the Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DT/PL) was developed to evaluate distress during HPN. This study validates the DT/PL, examines referral wish for additional care, assesses opinions on the DT/PL, and studies risk factors for distress and referral wish. METHODS: Dutch and Scottish patients completed questions on socio-demographic and HPN-related general characteristics, the DT/PL, referral wish, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and opinions on the DT. RESULTS: The HPN version of the DT/PL seemed valid and the PL sufficiently reliable. Cut-off score appeared to be 6. Consequently, 45% of patients were diagnosed as clinically distressed. Fifty-three percent had a referral wish. Emotional and physical problems were most strongly associated with distress. Not being able to work related to elevated distress. Female gender and co-morbidity related to referral wish. Opinions on the DT were generally positive. CONCLUSION: The DT/PL appears to be a good instrument to regularly gain insight into distress and referral wish in HPN patients. Use of the DT/PL facilitates support to patients who most need and want it, thus improving quality of care and QoL.