Nurse practitioner-led breast cancer survivorship clinic

Abstract

e20723 Background: The 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the US demands increasing awareness of and need for healthcare organizations to address survivorship issues. Cancer survivorship care has become a specialty emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and patient satisfaction. It is a natural setting for advanced practice nurses to be leaders. This abstract presents a model for a nurse practitioner-led breast cancer survivorship clinic. Methods: Eligible patients are those previously diagnosed with invasive and/or in situ breast cancer and at least 5 years post-diagnosis without recurrence. Eligible survivors are identified annually through the University of New Mexico Tumor Registry. Clinic notes are reviewed to confirm the patient has not had a recurrence, new diagnosis, or death. Letters are sent to eligible survivors introducing the Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic (Clinic) and inviting them to participate, and oncologists are encouraged to transfer eligible patients into the Clinic. Results: Eighty-six survivors are currently participating in the Clinic. Survivors are seen on an annual basis after mammogram. Each survivor receives a personalized Survivorship Care Plan at the first visit. The care plan was developed by a multi-disciplinary team of a breast oncologist, psychologist, social worker, nutritionist, and patient educator to provide input on the issues that survivors face. Components of Survivorship Care Plan: pathologic and genetic findings, summary of treatment, bloodwork, bone health, lymphedema, secondary malignancies, health maintenance recommendations, psychological assessment, nutrition/weight assessment. Conclusions: The establishment of the Clinic has several advantages: Breast cancer survivors are being followed in this specialty clinic after 5 years instead of being discharged from the Cancer Center. The Clinic has allowed oncologists more time for patients actively on therapy and more time to accommodate newly diagnosed patients. The Clinic addresses the unique issues faced by long term survivors, which could increase patient satisfaction. A multi-disciplinary team is key to developing a care plan for a survivorship clinic. However, the day-to-day operation of the clinic can be effectively led by a nurse practitioner. No significant financial relationships to disclose.