WOMEN'S SATISFACTION WITH THEIR BREAST PROSTHESIS What Determines a Quality Prosthesis?

The aim of this study is to determine what factors constitute a quality prosthesis and ascertain which factors affect prosthesis satisfaction. Sixty-four women who received full funding for their prosthesis and 38womenwho received their hospital’s usual fundingwere recruited. Women rated the information provided about breast prostheses very highly, with 85% reporting that it was “very good†or “excellent.†Satisfaction was significantly associatedwith how well the prosthesis fit (1 week,p=.001; 3 months,p=.01), level of comfort (3 months,p=.005), and appearance of the prosthesis when worn (6 months,p = .001). Quality was significantly associated with how well it fit (1 week,p = .001; 3months,p = .001), how natural it felt (1 week,p = .001; 6months,p=.01), the weight of the prosthesis (3 months,p=.003), and appearance when worn (6 months,p = .03). The results will be used to improve women’s access to a quality prosthesis.