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Physician referral patterns to a breast cancer support program
B M Fernandez1, L A Crane, J Baxter
1ORC Macro, Inc., University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, USA.
Cancer Practice
|March 7, 2002
Summary
Physicians who received positive patient feedback and spent more time with breast cancer patients were more likely to refer them to the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program. Targeted outreach can improve physician engagement with support services.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Support Services
Background:
- The American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program offers vital support to breast cancer patients.
- Understanding physician referral patterns is crucial for optimizing patient access to supportive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differences between physicians who refer breast cancer patients to the Reach to Recovery program and those who do not.
- To determine factors influencing physician referral decisions for this support program.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 77 physicians (54 referrers, 23 non-referrers) in 1999.
- Physician questionnaires assessed knowledge, beliefs, behaviors, patient characteristics, and practice demographics related to Reach to Recovery referrals.
Main Results:
- General surgeons demonstrated higher referral rates compared to other specialties.
- Positive patient feedback and a higher proportion of time spent on breast cancer care were significantly associated with increased referrals.
Conclusions:
- Support programs should implement targeted strategies to enhance physician awareness of available services.
- Encouraging patients to share their experiences with referring physicians can improve referral rates.
- Physicians are key partners in connecting breast cancer patients with essential social support resources.