The Role of Rehabilitation Nurses in Empowering Mastectomised Women for Self-Care: A Scoping Review

Madalena Rodrigues, Inês Deus, Pedro Bengalinha, Raquel Duro, David Carpinteiro, Rogério Ferreira, Celso Silva () and César Fonseca
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Madalena Rodrigues: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
Inês Deus: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
Pedro Bengalinha: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
Raquel Duro: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
David Carpinteiro: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
Rogério Ferreira: School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Beja, 7800-295 Beja, Portugal
Celso Silva: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
César Fonseca: São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 6, 1-13

Abstract: Background: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent neoplasms among women, often requiring mastectomy, a procedure with a significant impact on functionality, self-esteem, and quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to map the main interventions performed by the Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist in the follow-up care of mastectomised women. Methods: A review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The search included 11 articles published between 2019 and 2024 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, available on the EBSCO platform (MEDLINE with Full TEXT, CINAHL). The descriptors used were (Mastectomy OR Breast Removal) AND (Rehabilitation Nursing OR Nursing Intervention). Results: The Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist interventions focused on education regarding upper limb mobilisation, medication administration, lymphedema prevention, strategies for performing Daily Life Activities with less effort and pain, implementation of rehabilitation plans with physical exercises, and emotional support in accepting body image changes. Hospital discharge planning and caregiver education also emerged as key elements to ensure continuity of care. Most studies (six) identify performing exercises to strengthen muscles and prevent lymphoedema as a very important intervention for nurses, followed by education on care for upper limb mobilisation and lymphoedema prevention (five) and emotional and social support (four), among other interventions. Conclusions: The Rehabilitation Nursing Specialist interventions are fundamental for promoting functionality, emotional well-being, and quality of life in mastectomised women, reinforcing the importance of a multidisciplinary, person-centred approach supported by scientific evidence.

Keywords: rehabilitation; nurse; intervention; mastectomy; quality of life (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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