Objective:To explore the dilemmas in the discharge preparation process of postoperative breast cancer patients within the framework of Meleis' Transition Theory, and to provide evidence for the development of nursing interventions to improve discharge readiness.Methods:This was a qualitative study. Using purposive sampling, postoperative breast cancer patients hospitalized in the Department of Breast Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University between September and October 2024 were selected for the study. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed and themes extracted using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method.Results:A total of four themes were extracted: personal status-patients experienced complex emotions at discharge; disease knowledge preparation-patients had insufficient mastery of relevant knowledge after discharge; coping ability-patients lacked confidence in home self-care after returning home; social support-patients desired support from peers and medical staff.Conclusions:Postoperative breast cancer patients face multiple dilemmas during discharge preparation. Medical staff are advised to pay attention to the psychological status of discharged patients and develop individualized emotional coping strategies; provide professional information and meet patients' fertility and sexual health knowledge needs; optimize health education models to enhance patients' home coping ability; and strengthen the integration of mobile health with nursing practice to build a multidimensional support system.

Objective:To explore the dilemmas in the discharge preparation process of postoperative breast cancer patients within the framework of Meleis' Transition Theory, and to provide evidence for the development of nursing interventions to improve discharge readiness.Methods:This was a qualitative study. Using purposive sampling, postoperative breast cancer patients hospitalized in the Department of Breast Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University between September and October 2024 were selected for the study. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed and themes extracted using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method.Results:A total of four themes were extracted: personal status-patients experienced complex emotions at discharge; disease knowledge preparation-patients had insufficient mastery of relevant knowledge after discharge; coping ability-patients lacked confidence in home self-care after returning home; social support-patients desired support from peers and medical staff.Conclusions:Postoperative breast cancer patients face multiple dilemmas during discharge preparation. Medical staff are advised to pay attention to the psychological status of discharged patients and develop individualized emotional coping strategies; provide professional information and meet patients' fertility and sexual health knowledge needs; optimize health education models to enhance patients' home coping ability; and strengthen the integration of mobile health with nursing practice to build a multidimensional support system.