Outcomes & experience of breast cancer patients during followup
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding outcomes and experiences of breast cancer patients and their carers managed via Self-Directed Aftercare (SDA) programme.
IRAS ID
333177
Contact name
Stuart McIntosh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Introduction
In 2012 Northern Ireland changed the way in which they provide aftercare for patients following surgery for breast cancer. Traditionally this was a yearly physical examination by a surgeon as well as a yearly x-ray of the breast (mammogram). Instead, the health service in NI now employs a model called Self Directed Aftercare (SDA) where patients are taught how to self-examine and manage their health, as well as receiving an annual mammogram and sign-posting to other sources of support. Patients are not routinely reviewed by a doctor until five years after treatment. Despite this new model being increasingly used in units across the UK, relatively little is known about how good it is in keeping patients healthy and supported.Aims
We want to explore if SDA is the correct way to support patients following their breast cancer surgery. We want to understand if this new pathway can pick up any new cancers or potential health problems and if it is value for money. We want to know how patients and their carers experience this pathway and if/how we can make it better.Methods
We will examine 1200 electronic patients records and detail if they have attended for their scheduled mammograms, required additional clinical reviews or experienced cancer recurrence. We will also attach costs to hospital visits. This will help us to compare to the rates and costs experienced before SDA. We will interview approximately 30 patients and 20 carers about their experience of aftercare to learn what things work well and what can still be improved. We will then work together with patients, carers and health care professionals to design ways to improve the service.REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
24/NI/0043
Date of REC Opinion
25 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion