Breast cancer patient stories project.
OBJECTIVE
It is estimated that there are almost half a million women living with or beyond a breast cancer diagnosis in the UK, often referred to as the breast cancer survivor population. We report on the setting up of a dedicated breast cancer and menopause symptoms service (BCMS), and present results from research undertaken with breast cancer survivors with the aim of obtaining their perspectives on the BCMS service.


METHODS
An action-oriented approach incorporating improvement science methodology has been used to help develop and drive changes to support a high standard of NHS patient care delivery for women with breast cancer within the BCMS setting. Evaluation was undertaken of this innovative service using qualitative methodology, and included discussion within a focus group setting, patient consent to record discussion, followed by thematic analysis of transcription.


RESULTS
Women who have survived breast cancer identified a need for specialist support to help improve their quality of life, which is also affected by menopause type symptomology. This support can be provided within the BCMS service setting. Our recommendations are that the BCMS service model is incorporated into any regional or national breast cancer patient pathway and service redesign work in place.


CONCLUSIONS
Breast cancer survivors would support the setting up of a BCMS service, and would actively help raise awareness and market this service.
Womens Services, N W London Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3UJ, UK. nuttantanna@nhs.net
Nuttan
N
Tanna
Helene
H
Buijs
Joan
J
Pitkin
Robert
R
Reichert
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D008389:Marketing of Health Services / Q000592:standards; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D058996:Quality Improvement; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D017741:Survivors