ES8-3: Measuring Outcomes in Breast Reconstruction: The Patient Perspective.

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Abstract In breast reconstruction, understanding patients’ perceptions of surgical results is of primary importance. As new reconstructive techniques continue to advance, surgeons and patients require high quality information on key outcomes such as patient satisfaction and quality of life. The need for meaningful data is further accentuated by concerns over healthcare expenditures and the increasing involvement of patients in their own surgical decision-making. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are questionnaires specifically designed to quantify aspects of outcome such as patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life. When developed and validated according to internationally recognized standards, PRO measures can provide reliable and valid assessment of patient outcomes. Traditionally, PRO measures were used in clinical research alone; however, advances in psychometric methods have now facilitated the development of a new generation of PRO measures that are also useful in clinical care. This presentation will provide an overview of PRO research in breast reconstruction. The BREAST-Q, a new PRO measure for breast surgery patients, will be highlighted. Physicians will gain the necessary critical appraisal skills to interpret and apply evidence from PRO studies in their own clinical practice. Approaches to routine use of PRO measures in clinical care will also be described. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr ES8-3.