Adherence to Quality Indicators for Breast Cancer Management in a Multidisciplinary Training Program

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Effective early breast cancer (BC) management requires specialized, team-based care within multidisciplinary breast units.
• This approach is crucial for enhancing patient survival and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the adherence to quality indicators in the management of operable breast cancer (BC).
• To identify areas for improvement in diagnostic and treatment timelines within breast units.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving 280 patients with newly diagnosed operable BC across eight breast units (2019-2022).
• Data collection focused on Senonetwork indicators covering diagnosis, waiting times, loco-regional treatment, and adjuvant therapy.
• Included pre-surgical phases and post-therapeutic multidisciplinary team meetings (MTMs).

Main Results:

• Most quality indicators were met across the participating breast units.
• Significant delays were observed: over 30 days from MTM to surgery, over 42 days from diagnosis to surgery, and over 60 days from screening mammogram to surgery for many patients.
• Areas needing improvement include histopathological diagnosis of intraductal BC and attention to aesthetic outcome indicators.

Conclusions:

• While overall quality indicators show good adherence, critical timing issues in the patient pathway require urgent attention.
• Enhancing the accuracy of histopathological diagnoses and prioritizing aesthetic outcomes are essential for comprehensive BC care.
• Systemic improvements are needed to optimize the efficiency and patient-centeredness of breast cancer management.