Effectiveness of a novel consultant nurse-led breast pain clinic in secondary care

Abstract

Background

Patients with breast pain are usually seen in ‘one-stop clinic’ (OSC) with breast imaging. In the absence of associated red flag features, the incidence of breast cancer is extremely low. With increase in referrals the OSC capacity is over-stretched. We developed a consultant nurse-led dedicated ‘breast pain clinic’ in September 2021 without routine breast imaging. After meticulous history and examination, patients obtained detailed counselling and advice regarding breast pain management. If any abnormality was noted then appointment was given for OSC.

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of a consultant nurse-led dedicated ‘breast pain clinic’.

Methods

A prospective study of all consecutive patients seen in ‘breast pain clinic’ from September 2021 until September 2022. Feedback was sought from all patients.

Results

Altogether 429 patients were seen. The mean age was 48.7 years (range 18–86). 87.6% (n = 376) patients required no breast imaging. Only 12.4% (n = 53) patients needed referral to OSC and subsequently 2 patients (0.46%) were diagnosed with breast cancer. Ninety-eight percent of patients felt reassured and 99.2% patients were extremely likely/likely to recommend this service to family and friends. Out of 376 patients who were discharged from breast pain clinic, 12 patients were referred again over a median follow-up period of 15 months, and 2 out of them were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Conclusion

A consultant nurse-led ‘breast pain clinic’ provides service improvement as it eases the pressure on the OSC. Most patients were managed without breast imaging with high level of patient satisfaction and low rereferral rate.