Breast Reconstruction: Patient Outcomes by Incision Technique – Bioengineer.org

Report on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Breast Reconstruction and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Focus on Holistic Healthcare

An observational cohort study conducted in China by Wang, Song, and Huang investigates patient-reported outcomes following various incision techniques in breast reconstruction. This research provides critical insights into enhancing patient care, directly aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Advancing SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The study’s core objective is to improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors, a key target of SDG 3. By prioritizing patient feedback, the research moves beyond clinical efficacy to address the psychological and emotional dimensions of recovery.

• Mental Health and Well-being: The research acknowledges the profound psychological impact of mastectomy and emphasizes how surgical outcomes, including cosmetic results and scarring, affect a patient’s self-perception and mental health.
• Patient-Centered Care: By integrating patient-reported outcomes into the evaluation of surgical techniques, the study promotes a healthcare model where patient satisfaction and well-being are integral to defining successful treatment.
• Informed Decision-Making: Empowering patients with knowledge about expected outcomes from different incision techniques fosters autonomy and contributes to better overall health experiences, a cornerstone of quality healthcare under SDG 3.

Contributions to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

As breast cancer predominantly affects women, advancements in reconstructive surgery are intrinsically linked to gender equality and the empowerment of women. This study contributes by ensuring healthcare systems are responsive to their specific physical and psychological needs.

1. Empowerment Through Restoration: Effective breast reconstruction can restore body image and self-confidence, empowering women to overcome the emotional trauma associated with mastectomy and participate fully in social and economic life.
2. Promoting Equitable Outcomes: The research aims to establish best practices that can be adopted globally, potentially reducing inequalities (SDG 10) in the quality of post-operative care available to women, regardless of their location.
3. Personalized Healthcare: The focus on tailoring surgical approaches to individual patient preferences ensures a more equitable and respectful standard of care, acknowledging diverse patient needs.

Methodology and Key Findings

The study employed a comprehensive approach to capture a holistic view of patient experiences, reinforcing its commitment to patient-centric goals.

Methodological Approach

• Study Type: Observational cohort study.
• Data Collection: Utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods, including post-operative surveys administered directly to patients.
• Evaluation Criteria: Incision techniques were categorized and assessed based on cosmetic results, complication rates, and patient satisfaction levels.

Principal Findings

• Patient priorities often center on minimal scarring and achieving a natural appearance, highlighting the importance of aesthetic outcomes for psychological recovery.
• A significant gap exists between technical surgical success and patient satisfaction, which can be bridged by incorporating patient feedback into clinical practice.
• The mind-body connection is crucial in the recovery process, and holistic care models are essential for optimal outcomes.

Implications for Global Health and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The findings have far-reaching implications for surgical training, healthcare policy, and interdisciplinary collaboration, reflecting the spirit of SDG 17.

1. Redefining Surgical Training: The study advocates for incorporating patient-reported outcomes into surgical guidelines and education, fostering a more empathetic and patient-focused generation of surgeons.
2. Fostering Interdisciplinary Partnerships: The research underscores the need for collaborative teams comprising surgeons, psychologists, and post-operative care providers to support patients comprehensively. This partnership model is central to achieving complex health goals.
3. Catalyzing Value-Based Care: By demonstrating the value of patient perspectives, this research supports the global shift towards value-based healthcare systems, where treatment success is measured by long-term well-being and patient satisfaction, aligning with the overarching aims of the SDGs.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The primary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) addressed in the article is:

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The entire article focuses on improving the quality of life, psychological well-being, and overall health outcomes for breast cancer survivors. By analyzing patient-reported outcomes following breast reconstruction, the research directly contributes to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for individuals who have undergone treatment for a major non-communicable disease. The study’s emphasis on “patient satisfaction,” “psychological and physical implications,” and “holistic recovery” firmly aligns with the core principles of SDG 3.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the focus of the article, the following specific targets under SDG 3 can be identified:

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. The article directly addresses the “treatment” and “promote mental health and well-being” aspects of this target. Breast cancer is a non-communicable disease, and the research aims to improve the quality of post-treatment care. It highlights the “emotional and physical impacts of mastectomy” and the importance of addressing “psychological ramifications” to enhance patient well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services… The study’s goal of refining surgical practices based on patient feedback is a direct effort to improve the quality of essential health-care services. By evaluating incision techniques to enhance outcomes and patient satisfaction, the research contributes to making surgical care more effective and patient-centered, which is a cornerstone of quality healthcare delivery.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. While not official SDG indicators, they are the metrics used within the study to evaluate the quality of care and patient well-being:

   • Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs): This is the central indicator of the study. The article is titled “Patient-reported outcomes following various incision techniques…” and repeatedly emphasizes the importance of gathering “insightful data directly from the patients themselves” to measure the success of surgical interventions.
   • Patient Satisfaction: This is explicitly mentioned as a key metric. The article states that the study’s goal is to bridge “the gap between surgical effectiveness and patient satisfaction” and that the findings can help “foster better outcomes and satisfaction rates.”
   • Complication Rates: The article notes that the research “meticulously categorized incision techniques based on criteria including… complication rates.” This is a direct clinical indicator used to measure the quality and safety of a healthcare service.
   • Cosmetic Results: This is another criterion mentioned for evaluating surgical techniques. The article states that patients “often prioritize minimal scarring and natural appearances,” making cosmetic outcomes a crucial indicator of success from the patient’s perspective.
   • Psychological Well-being: The article implies the measurement of psychological health by discussing the “emotional and physical impacts of mastectomy,” “psychological ramifications of their surgical interventions,” and the need to consider “patient quality of life and psychological well-being.”

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.4: Reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being.	Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) Patient Satisfaction Rates Psychological Well-being Cosmetic Results
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.	Complication Rates Patient Satisfaction Rates

Source: bioengineer.org