Evaluation of a breast cancer patient information and support program

Women with newly diagnosed breast cancer seek answers to many questions about their disease, treatment options, and prognosis. Failure to meet these needs may cause dissatisfaction with the care process.

To evaluate the impact of a support and information program for women with newly diagnosed breast cancer.

A support and information program that featured a program coordinator, information resources, and mentoring from a breast cancer survivor.

Women in whom breast cancer was diagnosed at program sites (n = 111) and a random sample of women whose breast cancer was diagnosed at nonprogram sites (n = 277) were surveyed by mail to ascertain their level of satisfaction with various aspects of their medical care. The response rates were 74% and 81%, respectively.

75% of women at program sites used the information resources, and 60% requested a patient mentor. Demographic characteristics and satisfaction with non-breast cancer care were almost identical among program and non-program site respondents. For overall breast cancer care, 71% of program site respondents but only 56% of non-program site respondents were very satisfied. More than half of program site respondents rated presurgery care, provision of information, and support received as excellent, versus about 40% of non-program site respondents. Program site respondents were consistently more likely to rate the amount of reassurance and support provided by physicians and nurses as excellent and were less likely to want a second opinion (35% vs. 51%).

The support and information program appears to have had a positive impact on satisfaction with breast cancer care.