How patient acceptability affects access to breast reconstruction: a qualitative study.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Patient Experience Research

Background:

• Limited research exists on breast reconstruction (BR) acceptability among breast cancer patients.
• Understanding patient perspectives is vital for improving access to post-mastectomy surgical options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore breast cancer patients' acceptability of breast reconstruction (BR).
• To identify factors influencing the decision-making process for BR.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive study involving 28 women diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Semi-structured interviews analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Four themes emerged: cancer survival priority, physician influence, evolving patient acceptance, and the need to justify BR.
• Patient acceptability of BR is a complex, time-dependent process influenced by disease progression and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Poor acceptability negatively impacts access to breast reconstruction.
• Enhancing patient acceptability is key to improving access to BR.
• The concept of acceptability needs further development within existing access to care frameworks.