ECR 2022 Book of Abstracts

Purpose:The purpose was to compare breast cancer patients' opinions about mammography and radiation therapy services to what health care staff thought to be success factors for these services.Methods or Background: Patient data was collected from breast cancer patients ( n=14) by using open-ended online questionnaires via the websites and social media of national breast cancer patient organisations in four countries.In addition a web-based open-ended questionnaire was sent to breast care hospitals located in four different countries, focusing on four professional groups: diagnostic radiographers, radiation therapists, breast cancer nurses and biomedical laboratory scientists (n=23).Both data sets were analysed using deductive thematic analysis.Results or Findings: In regard to both services, patients emphasise competent staff, good information and smooth-flowing, comfortable and individual services.Staff tend to put more emphasis on patient characteristics and the technical performance features of the process.Common aspects for both patients and staff are understanding the importance of aftercare and follow-up, and the fact that the patient should be given a chance to keep in close contact with care and treatment staff even after their active treatment process has finished.Conclusion: Patients and health care staff view mammography and radiation therapy services somewhat differently.Patients put more emphasis on nonclinical issues and staff focus more on patient related and technical factors.Both patients and staff should be involved in planning services for breast cancer patients.Limitations: Limitations associated with self-reporting instruments apply to this study.