Background:
Survivorship appointments (SAs) are not provided as part of standard care for low-risk, early-breast cancer patients due to time and nursing resourcing constraints. SAs are provided by a nurse practitioner (NP) however medical referral to clinic is required and not all patients are referred. The aim of this project was for breast care nurses (BCN) to provide SAs for the low-risk cohort within their existing practice.
Methods:
SAs were delivered by BCNs from Oct–Dec 2021.
Low-risk early-breast patients, defined as those that did not receive chemotherapy, were identified at discharge from the BCN service (usually 3-months after active treatment), contacted via phone and offered an appointment.
The SAs involved developing a survivorship care plan (SCP) using mycareplan.org.au (an online SCP generator), discussions about patient issues/concerns, referrals to services and provision of resources identified through the SCP to help the patient to maintain their health and wellbeing.
Data was collected on number of appointments offered/accepted, resources provided, referrals generated and patient experience via a patient experience survey (PES).
Results:
15 SAs were completed including 14 phone appointments and 1 in-person. 2 patients declined (response rate 88%). Average time for appointment and administration was 79 minutes.
8 referrals to services generated (lymphedema clinic most common = 3).
56 resources provided (breast self-checking most common = 9).
8 patients completed the PES. 100% rated the SA as 4 or 5 stars. 7/8 patients agreed that the SA helped them to understand life after treatment; 7/8 patients stated the SA allowed them to discuss their needs and concerns.
Conclusions:
SAs provided an opportunity to identify patient needs and provide referrals and resources. Patients rated the SAs highly. This service is being offered/provided to early-breast cancer patients (that are not referred into the NP survivorship clinic) as part of standard care.