Interprofessional work in early detection of breast cancer: An integrative review

The role of communication between mammographers and patients in the Limpopo province of South Africa

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer affects women around the world. Communication is essential for managing and treating breast cancer, especially in the breast imaging department. By communicating effectively, mammographers can help to alleviate the fear and burden that breast cancer brings to the lives of affected women. In this study, we explored and described the role of communication between mammographers and post-mastectomy patients in the Limpopo province of South Africa.

METHODS

This was a qualitative exploratory, descriptive study. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with patients who underwent mastectomy as well as mammographers in selected healthcare institutions. Due to the different languages used in Limpopo, the researcher had this questionnaire for patients translated in Sepedi. Participants were purposively sampled. Data collection took approximately two months. Summative content analysis was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Eleven mammographers and 36 patients were interviewed. Three themes emerged from the data collected. Mammographers highlighted the importance of being accommodative, supportive, and sympathetic towards patients. Mammographers made every effort to maintain a good communication path and understanding with their patients. The patients had high admiration for the work and support of mammographers and perceived mammographers as healthcare providers who were trustworthy and held them in high regard.

CONCLUSION

Communication is key in ensuring cooperation between mammographers and patients. Additionally, the mode of communication, including the language should be considered. It is important that patients receive information in languages they are comfortable in. It will help patients understand the proceedings of the examination for which they have been booked for as well as the need for follow-up. Training related to communication for mammographers and possibly the addition of more South African languages as an extra course/module to allow communication with patients to be well carried out.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The study contributes to a growing body of knowledge within the training of mammographers as well as the implementation of role extension for mammographers.

Breast cancer patients' experiences on their individual care pathway: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Radiographers must be aware of the needs and expectations of women to be able to involve them in the decision making on their own care pathway. The purpose of the study is to describe experiences of women with breast cancer in their individual care pathway.

METHODS

Data was collected with qualitative open-ended online questionnaires via national breast cancer patient organizations in four countries. The subjects were women who had completed their breast cancer treatments at a maximum of six months before responding. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Women responding to the survey questionnaire (N = 14) reported 11 main meaningful events in their care pathways. According to respondents, being well informed about the treatment process, a smooth flow of the care process, being treated individually and having a properly organized follow-up were the most important aspects for the optimal breast cancer care pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The subjects perceived their breast cancer care pathways somewhat differently from the way the pathways are usually described from the health care organizations' viewpoint. In different stages of their individual breast cancer care pathway, positive and less positive experiences of women were somewhat similar, yet contrasting.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

In addition to general forms of support, targeted interventions should be planned to improve the quality of breast cancer care specific to different stages of the treatment process. The findings can be used to promote education for radiographers and other cancer care staff, as well as to develop patient-centred breast cancer care.

How Ineffective Interprofessional Collaboration Affects Delivery of Breast Reconstruction to Breast Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Despite the benefits of breast reconstruction (BR), health care professionals do not consistently integrate it as an option in the treatment of breast cancer patients. Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) amongst professionals may facilitate the elaboration of comprehensive oncological treatment plans. As the application of IPC in the delivery of BR has not yet been studied, we undertook a qualitative study to explore the perceptions of physicians and administrators on IPC in breast cancer care and how these impact BR delivery.

METHODS

Interviews were conducted with 30 participants (22 physicians and 8 administrators). Physician interviews focused on their personal beliefs and values regarding BR, while administrator interviews explored their institutional treatment regimens as well as the availability of a BR program. Our thematic analysis was informed by the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC) competency framework.

RESULTS

IPC challenges were thought by participants to affect the delivery of BR. At the physician level, a lack of role clarity as well as the absence of an explicitly established leader negatively influence collaboration in BR delivery. In addition, varying views on the usefulness of BR and on the role of plastic surgeons in breast oncological teams discourage positive collaboration, rendering the delivery of BR more difficult.

CONCLUSIONS

The delivery of BR is overall impaired due to a lack of effective IPC. IPC could be improved through clarifying physician roles, establishing clear leadership, and aligning viewpoints on quality oncological care in collaborative teams; ultimately, this may promote equitable BR delivery for breast cancer patients.