The Effect of Education Given at Different Times Before a Breast Biopsy on Anxiety, Readiness for the Procedure, Satisfaction, and Pain Levels in Women: A Randomized Study

INTRODUCTION Breast cancer has the highest incidence among women worldwide. Of the three methods (physical examination, imaging, and biopsy) in the diagnosis of breast lesions and breast cancer, the biopsy is a frequently used standard. A breast biopsy is a safe and effective diagnostic method, but it causes pain and anxiety, especially for those who will have a biopsy for the first time. Considering the clinically significant anxiety levels experienced by women before a biopsy, it is necessary to develop strategies to help them manage their anxiety better. Various studies have shown that uncertainty about the biopsy procedure is associated with high levels of anxiety, and women experience less anxiety and other negative emotions if they are given reassuring information about the procedure. However, no study has been found in the literature regarding the optimal time for patient education to be planned for a breast biopsy. There is a need to determine the most accurate time for patient education. Although there are many studies on education methods to reduce anxiety and other related problems before interventional procedures, the optimal time for this education is still being debated. It is considered that there is a need for research into determining the most effective education time for patient education to be given before a breast biopsy.

RESEARCH QUESTION AND OBJECTIVES Although the effectiveness of educational interventions in reducing the anxiety and pain levels of patients and increasing their readiness and satisfaction for the procedure before a breast biopsy has been shown, very little is known about the optimal time for this educational intervention. Knowledge of the optimal education time will both increase patient comfort in the best way and help us to manage the personnel workforce and cost in the best way. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of patient education given at different times before a breast biopsy on anxiety, readiness for the procedure, pain, and satisfaction levels in women.

Hypotheses of the Research:

H0: There is no difference between patients who receive education 1-2 weeks before a breast biopsy, patients who receive education on the day of the procedure, and patients who receive repetitive education at both times in terms of anxiety, readiness, pain, and satisfaction levels.

H1: There is a difference between patients who receive education 1-2 weeks before a breast biopsy, patients who receive education on the day of the procedure, and patients who receive repetitive education at both times in terms of anxiety, readiness, pain, and satisfaction levels.