Needs as expressed by women after breast cancer surgery in the setting of a short hospital stay

The aim of this study was to describe needs as expressed by a group of women after surgery for breast cancer in the setting of a short hospital stay. Ten days after surgery, 97 women answered an open-ended question about their perception of the care given. A content analysis inspired by the method of Grounded Theory was used. Satisfaction with the personal treatment and feelings of abandonment were identified as the two main themes. Expressed needs (n = 113) were classified in five categories: Trust, Information, Practical Assistance, Personal Treatment and Emotional Support, of which Trust appeared to be the core concept. In addition, time and space emerged as two dimensions that were interwoven with the categories of needs. The patients' perception of trust in the staff was interpreted as depending on whether the needs in the other categories were satisfied or not. It is hypothesized that, to fulfil the patients' need of trust, the patients have to be satisfied at least with information, practical assistance, personal treatment and emotional support. We consider that, in an organization with a high degree of continuity, when the patients are aware of the physician and nurse responsible, the possibilities for trust are increased, especially in short hospital stays.