The Breast Service psychosocial model of care project

It has been consistently demonstrated that many women with breast disease will experience psychosocial distress at some stage along the patient journey. Psychosocial care has recently gained more prominence and is increasingly recognised as an important aspect of care offered to patients with breast cancer. The purpose of this project was to develop a model that improved the way psychosocial services were provided to patients. The aim of this paper is to describe the process in developing this psychosocial model of care for patients with breast disease.

Using in-depth semi-structured interviews with a sample of patients and staff, we examined psychosocial concerns experienced by breast patients and the factors associated with the effective assessment and delivery of psychosocial care. The project was approved by the Royal Women's hospital ethics secretariat as a quality assurance project.

An inductive analysis of staff responses indicated that a standardised screening and referral pathway was needed in a context of well defined staff roles and a multidisciplinary team environment. An inductive analysis of patient responses indicated that psychosocial concerns were common, but varied, and a tailored approach to the provision of psychosocial care was warranted.

In line with these findings, a standardised assessment and referral pathway was developed for The Breast Service that may be extended for use in other clinical settings and tumour streams.