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Establishing a collaborative practice in a comprehensive breast clinic
BREAST CANCER IN women is a major health concern due to the high prevalence of subtle changes in breast tissue that are difficult to diagnose. Consequently, women require information about benign and malignant breast changes. Nurse practitioners (NPs) can play an important role in helping women with breast concerns by incorporating clinical expertise with teaching and counseling skills. Establishing clinics in which information, screening, and diagnosis of breast cancer are readily available will help decrease women's anxiety and enhance their ability to act as self-advocates within the healthcare system. A comprehensive breast clinic was developed, incorporating NP and physicians in a collaborative model of care. Defining roles within the model was an ongoing process as each provider developed areas of expertise and interest. The NP role emerged as an integral part of the practice, increasing the efficiency, availability, and effectiveness of clinic services.
BREAST CANCER IN women is a major health concern due to the high prevalence of subtle changes in breast tissue that are difficult to diagnose. Consequently, women require information about benign and malignant breast changes. Nurse practitioners (NPs) can play an important role in helping women with breast concerns by incorporating clinical expertise with teaching and counseling skills. Establishing clinics in which information, screening, and diagnosis of breast cancer are readily available will help decrease women's anxiety and enhance their ability to act as self-advocates within the healthcare system. A comprehensive breast clinic was developed, incorporating NP and physicians in a collaborative model of care. Defining roles within the model was an ongoing process as each provider developed areas of expertise and interest. The NP role emerged as an integral part of the practice, increasing the efficiency, availability, and effectiveness of clinic services.