Abstract
Introduction:
The adverse aesthetic effects of post-surgical scars frequently impose a psychological burden on patients. We conducted an Internet-based questionnaire survey of Japanese individuals to explore patient satisfaction with respect to surgical scars and to identify the factors that affect their interest and experience of scar care.
Method:
A cross-sectional study was conducted for the previous year on patients who had undergone the following surgeries: gastrointestinal; orthopaedic; obstetric; gynaecological; and plastic. The questionnaire included: (1) measures of participant characteristics; (2) measures of interest, experience and satisfaction with scar care; (3) measures of current and desired scar condition; and (4) measures of communication with physicians or nurses.
Results:
A total of 214 participants were enrolled. Of these, only 90 individuals had experienced any treatment or self-care, and only 30 were satisfied with their experience. We found a significant gap between the current and desired thickness and colour of the scar (P < 0.01). On logistic regression analysis, scars located at a visible site and size of the scar were significant factors that affected the interest and experience of scar care. Only 40% of participants answered that their physician or nurse adequately understands their concerns pertaining to the scar condition.
Conclusion:
Only a small proportion of individuals were satisfied with their experience of scar care. Additional research in following areas is required: (1) mutual communication between patients and medical providers; and (2) development of a new care programme for the management of scars.
Scar formation at the site of surgery is a natural biological response. The cosmetic effects of scar have an adverse psychological impact on the patient owing to the visible difference between the normal skin and scar. In the present study, we explored scar satisfaction and identified the factors that affect the patient’s interest and experience with respect to scar care. An Internet-based questionnaire survey of Japanese residents was conducted. The target population included patients who underwent gastrointestinal, orthopaedic, obstetrics and gynaecological, and plastic surgery. Out of 214 participants, 90 had experienced any treatment or self-care for scar care and only 30 were satisfied with their experience. There was a gap between the current and desired condition of thickness and colour in a scar. Scars located on visible parts of the body and size of scar had the greatest impact on the patient’s interest and experience of scar care. Additional research is required in the following areas: (1) better communication between patients and medical providers; and (2) development of new care program for scar management.
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