An audit of a radiotherapy review clinic for breast cancer patients: a multi-disciplinary approach

Abstract

Purpose: With the advent of multi-disciplinary team working in Oncology practice, this audit was designed to assess patient satisfaction with this approach within an on-treatment review clinic for breast cancer patients. It also aimed to look at conformity of reporting of treatment side effects between different staff groups. Patients and methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 230 radical breast cancer patients once a week after each review clinic. An oncologist and a radiographer or nurse reviewed the patients during weeks 1-4 of treatment. A review form was completed at each visit specifying any side effects noted. Results: Patients appeared satisfied with their clinic visits to both the radiographer and nurse with 84 and 85% confidence and trust in the members of staff compared to 73% with the doctor. There was disparity in the recording of side effects between non-medical and medical staff groups. Conclusion: This audit has provided good evidence to support the continuation of multi-disciplinary review clinics. A key benefit is the reduction in clinic waiting times for patients and a substantial time saving for the medics. It also supports role development for the radiographer and nurse involved. 2008 Cambridge University Press.