SP8.1.3 Primary care practitioners have a high level of satisfaction with the current breast referral pathway but the majority would support a change to patient self-referral. (28th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Russell, Thomas; Cooper, Jemma; McIntyre, Mairead; Ramzi, Sa'ed
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 108:Supplement 7(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-28
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab361.159
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: Currently, patients must consult with a primary care practitioner (PCP) prior to being referred to specialist breast services. A change to patient self-referral would arguably reduce primary care workload, improve access for patients, and allow breast units to allocate resources more appropriately; no data currently supports this. This study aims to explore PCP's views on breast referral, evaluate the community breast workload, and to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on referral rates. Methods: An electronic survey was sent out to PCPs in South West England via two electronic newsletters. Participants were asked: their role and gender, their level of confidence surrounding breast care, details surrounding their breast workload, how they felt COVID-19 had affected their referral rates, their level of satisfaction with the current pathway, and their opinions on a potential change to patient self-referral. Results: 79 responses were received. PCPs estimated that 7.0% (median) of their total consultations were regarding a breast-related issue and that COVID-19 had not had a significant impact on the rate of referral to breast units (P = 0.75). 84.8% of PCPs had a high level of satisfaction with the current referral pathway. Whilst 74.5% felt a change to patient self-referral would benefit patients and primary care services, their free text comments highlighted some of their reservations. Conclusions: PCPs have a high level of satisfaction with the current breast referral pathway, but the majority would be open to a change to patient self-referral to specialist breast units.