# The Rehabilitation of Women Who Have Had a Mastectomy

## TL;DR

This study explores how rehabilitation nurses help women recover after mastectomy by focusing on personalized care and emotional support.

## Contribution

The study highlights the role of rehabilitation nurses in providing individualized care strategies to improve postmastectomy outcomes.

## Key findings

- Rehabilitation care is viewed as a developmental and person-centered experience.
- Interventions include personalized projects, emotional support, and self-care training.
- Rehabilitation improves functionality, quality of life, and prevents complications.

## Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is one of the main causes of mortality among women, and mastectomy has a significant effect on the body image, sexuality and psychology of women. The aim of postmastectomy rehabilitation is to improve functionality, minimize complications and promote well-being and quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to understand the role of nurses specializing in rehabilitation nursing in the rehabilitation of women who have had a mastectomy. Methods: This was a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study. The participants included seven nurses specializing in rehabilitation nursing who provided structured narratives about their experiences and care strategies in the rehabilitation of women who have had a mastectomy. The interviews were analyzed by thematic categorization via content analysis. Results: Three main categories emerged: the meaning of care, professional intervention strategies and health gains. Care is seen as a developmental and person-centered experience, with a focus on preventing complications. The interventions prioritize personalized projects, emotional support and self-care training. Conclusions: The rehabilitation of women postmastectomy depends on a holistic and individualized approach centered on the person through emotional and functional support. Rehabilitation interventions improve the functionality, quality of life and autonomy of women and are essential for preventing complications and promoting the acceptance of new health conditions.