“One of the team” patient experience of integrated breast cancer care

Abstract

PurposeThis paper presents my experience of breast cancer care in which I describe my care as positive and integrated.Design/methodology/approachI have applied an autoethnographical approach to my patient story to analyse my care in order to reflect and share insights. I have applied my knowledge and experience in integrated care through my research, management and practice.FindingsIn my patient story I describe being empowered and feeling like “one of the team.” Vertical and horizontal integration was evident across staff services and agencies. This included integrated working across multi‐disciplinary teams, between primary and secondary care and also between the NHS and a voluntary agency. I identified features that were important to me in my care under the headings of: certainty, communication, contact, compassion, continuity, cohesive, care and collaboration.Practical implicationsI consider the implications of sharing patient stories to inform quality improvement, influence education and training for staff and design support for patients. I consider how patients can be more involved in the evaluation of their care.Originality/valueThis viewpoint has been written from my perspective as a patient and a professional, and was written in order to recognise good practice and share the learning for continual quality improvement. There is every sign that person-centred integrated care is starting to be embedded in some of our services and hopefully this will be recognised, celebrated and sustained.