Australian women's perceptions of a specialist breast nurse model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate Australian women's perceptions of the specialist breast nurse (SBN) model developed by the National Breast Cancer Centre. Two hundred and forty women evaluated the care they received from a SBN. The SBN was perceived as a valuable link between women and the multi-disciplinary team, with continuity of care being rated as a major benefit. Over 80% of women reported the SBN to be effective in providing information and emotional support. There is a need to consider the establishment of SBN positions in treatment centres for breast cancer in Australia.