The Effect of Digital Technology-Supported Education on Patients Undergoing Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in our country and all over the world, and there are surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal and targeted treatment options in the treatment of patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Surgery is an important option for the majority of patients diagnosed with breast cancer, and breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy are frequently performed. Patients who undergo mastectomy can also choose breast reconstruction surgeries, which enable the reconstruction of breast tissue through various methods, because they feel better both psychologically and physiologically.

Breast reconstruction can be performed in two periods: early and late. Patients who undergo breast reconstruction simultaneously with mastectomy may experience psychological problems such as anxiety, depression and fear in the preoperative period, and patients may experience surgery-related bleeding, hematoma, seroma, wound infection, tissue necrosis, fat necrosis, capsule contraction, implant loss and pain. Complications may develop and individuals' quality of life may be negatively affected. Patients need support care, treatment and preventive health interventions, and education on late effects/long-term physical and psychosocial problems in order to maintain their independence in daily activities and improve their quality of life.

In addition to written, visual and audio materials in patient education, mobile applications and wearable technologies come to the fore with developing and advancing technology. Mobile health service offered starting from the pre-operative period; In addition to heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, blood glucose level, daily drainage monitoring, spirometry results and medication compliance; Pain level, sleep quality, daily living activities and exercise level can be evaluated, and the quality of care is increased with nursing care practices and continuity of education.

This study aims to determine the effect of mobile technology-supported education and monitoring on care outcomes in patients who underwent breast reconstruction simultaneously with mastectomy due to breast cancer.