ePoster
Presentation Description
Institution: Sunshine Coast University Hospital - QLD, Australia
Background:
The holistic management of breast cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach, with physical, emotional and social implications for patients. In the Australian public health system, oncological management is often the primary focus, with breast reconstruction a secondary consideration.
Clinic Design:
At the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) we have introduced a combined Oncoplastic Breast Clinic to provide a multidisciplinary streamlined approach to oncological and reconstructive pathways for breast cancer patients. In attendance is both a Breast Surgeon and Plastic Surgeon, along with a breast cancer nurse and breast reconstructive nurse. Eligible patients are identified at the point of referral to the general surgical team. Patients are deemed eligible if they’re referred for risk-reducing mastectomies, if they will have oncologically complete treatment with mastectomy alone, or a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.
Discussion:
This combined clinic approach looks to improve health literacy and provide patient centred care, by allowing discussion with and between the resection and reconstructive team simultaneously. In addition it aims to improve access by reducing wait times for patients to access a reconstructive appointment. New patients reviewed in the combined clinic have half the number of appointments before surgery, when compared to the standard clinic model. Patient feedback has overall been positive, with a global average feedback score of 5 out of 5.
Conclusion:
A combined oncoplastic breast clinic has the potential to improve patients' access to immediate breast reconstruction, reduce outpatient visits, and thus improve patients' experience and overall quality of life.
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Dr Lachlan Yaksich - , Dr Jeannine Mcmanus - , Nicole Lahey -