Patient preferences in access to breast reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Breast reconstruction is a vital aspect of holistic breast cancer treatment.
• Significant variation exists in the timing of plastic surgery consultations post-diagnosis.
• Understanding patient preferences is key to optimizing care pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine patient preferences regarding the timing of plastic surgery consultations for breast reconstruction.
• To inform preoperative evaluation and planning for breast reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• A 16-question electronic survey was developed collaboratively by breast oncology and plastic surgery teams.
• The survey was distributed to patients seeking initial reconstructive consultations.

Main Results:

• Out of 31 respondents, 48% preferred to consult a plastic surgeon one week after their initial breast surgeon consultation.
• Key factors influencing timing preferences included having a support person present (45%) and time to process the diagnosis (32%).
• Only one patient desired same-day consultations with both surgeons.

Conclusions:

• A majority of patients favor a delay between breast surgeon and plastic surgeon consultations.
• Integrating patient preferences enhances the preoperative process, supporting emotional coping and social support utilization.