Ilana Kadmon1, Hana Halag2, Irit Dinur3, Aliza Katz4, Hana Zohar5, Myra Damari6, Malka Cohen7, Elite Levin8, Livia Kislev9. 1. Hadassah Medical Organization, P.O.B 12000, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. Electronic address: ikadmon@hadassah.org.il. 2. Clalit Community Department, Sakhnin, Israel. Electronic address: hanaa12@clalit.org.il. 3. Assaf Harofeh Hospital, Zrifin 70300, Israel. Electronic address: iritd@asaf.health.gov.il. 4. Meir Hospital, 59 Tchernichovsky, Kfar Saba 44410, Israel. Electronic address: amos_k@netvision.net.il. 5. Rambam Medical Center, P.O.B 9602, Haifa 31096, Israel. Electronic address: hm_zohar@yifat.org.il. 6. Kaplan Medical Center, Pasternak St., P.O.B. 1, Rechovot 76100, Israel. Electronic address: myrada@clalit.org.il. 7. The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Israel. Electronic address: malka.cohen@sheba.health.gov.il. 8. Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel. Electronic address: elite.levin@gmail.com. 9. Israel Cancer Association, 7 Revivim St., Givatayim 53103, Israel. Electronic address: Livia_k@cancer.org.il.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: The role of the Breast Care Nurse (BCN) is well established in Israel. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the BCN on Israeli women with breast cancer at all stages of disease from diagnosis, through treatment and follow-up. METHODS: This was a descriptive multi-center study on 321 women with non-metastatic breast cancer who completed their treatment <5 years before. Data collection took place in seven institutions in Israel, both in hospital and in the community. The women completed two questionnaires: a demographic questionnaire and the Ipswitch Patient Questionnaire looking at various aspects of care. Also included was one qualitative open question. Data analysis was performed checking for outliers and illogical observations. KEY RESULTS: In most areas investigated the women perceived the overall contribution of the BCN as very high, with 87% reporting a general contribution of very high or high. It was found that 53% of the women received information about the position from the nurse herself. In 61.3% of the cases, initial contact with the BCN was made at the time of diagnosis. The qualitative findings concerning the open question are also reported. CONCLUSIONS: According to the perceptions of women with breast cancer in Israel, BCN support is an important part of the patient's ability to manage their diagnosis and related care. The multi-disciplinary breast cancer team should incorporate BCN specialists as part of their holistic care.
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: The role of the Breast Care Nurse (BCN) is well established in Israel. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the BCN on Israeli women with breast cancer at all stages of disease from diagnosis, through treatment and follow-up. METHODS: This was a descriptive multi-center study on 321 women with non-metastatic breast cancer who completed their treatment <5 years before. Data collection took place in seven institutions in Israel, both in hospital and in the community. The women completed two questionnaires: a demographic questionnaire and the Ipswitch Patient Questionnaire looking at various aspects of care. Also included was one qualitative open question. Data analysis was performed checking for outliers and illogical observations. KEY RESULTS: In most areas investigated the women perceived the overall contribution of the BCN as very high, with 87% reporting a general contribution of very high or high. It was found that 53% of the women received information about the position from the nurse herself. In 61.3% of the cases, initial contact with the BCN was made at the time of diagnosis. The qualitative findings concerning the open question are also reported. CONCLUSIONS: According to the perceptions of women with breast cancer in Israel, BCN support is an important part of the patient's ability to manage their diagnosis and related care. The multi-disciplinary breast cancer team should incorporate BCN specialists as part of their holistic care.