Title : Implementation of a nurse-led breast reconstruction education class to improve patient preparedness and care coordination
Abstract:
Breast reconstruction patients often face complex surgical decisions, extensive preoperative education needs, and high levels of anxiety during the perioperative period. Traditional surgeon-led clinic visits may limit the time available to address individualized education, expectations, and care coordination. To address these gaps, a nurse-led breast reconstruction education class was developed and implemented within an outpatient plastic surgery practice. This initiative was designed and led by nursing staff to provide standardized, comprehensive education covering preoperative preparation, surgical timelines, postoperative expectations, recovery milestones, and common complications. The class is delivered in a virtual group format, allowing patients and caregivers to participate remotely while fostering peer support and shared learning. Nursing leadership collaborated with surgeons and advanced practice providers to ensure evidence-based content aligned with clinical practice. Early outcomes demonstrate improved patient preparedness, enhanced understanding of surgical options and recovery expectations, and reduced pre-visit anxiety as reported through patient feedback. Additionally, the nurse-led model optimized clinic efficiency by reinforcing education prior to surgical consultations, allowing surgeon visits to focus on individualized surgical planning. The program highlights nursing leadership in care innovation, education delivery, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This project illustrates how nurse-led educational interventions can transform outpatient surgical care, enhance patient experience, and support evolving models of team-based practice. The findings support the expanding role of nurses as leaders in patient education, care coordination, and practice transformation within complex surgical populations.
Keywords: Nurse-led Care, Breast Reconstruction, Patient Education, Nursing Leadership, Outpatient Surgery, Care Coordination
