East Midlands Breast Pain Pathway: An Evaluation of Community Breast Pain Clinics Across the East Midlands Cancer Alliance

Abstract

Rationale

Research indicates that breast pain as the sole symptom has no association with breast cancer. However, patients with breast pain only are often referred onto urgent breast cancer diagnostic pathways, leading to unnecessary anxiety and overutilisation of secondary health care services. The novel community breast pain clinic (CBPC) service in the UK aims to improve patient care while providing system-wide improvements for patients with breast pain, patients who have ‘red flag’ symptoms, as well as being cost-effective.

Aim and Objectives

This study seeks to evaluate and assess the impact of the CBPC on patient care, experience, and healthcare system improvements.

Methods

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of CBPC was undertaken using data from CBPC based on a core data set designed by the programme team, secondary care follow-up data, Patient Reported Outcomes Measure (PROMs) data and family history data.

Results

The CBPC was well-received by patients with 98.5% recommending the service. Additionally, health economic analysis indicated a cost benefit ratio of 1.23 in year 1, indicating a positive return on investment. Breast cancer incidence within the cohort was estimated at 3.2 per 1000, in line with population estimates in the literature. For those with a breast cancer diagnosis, there is no evidence of care delays or missed diagnoses via the service.

Conclusion

The CBPC offers significant benefits in patient experience and value for money, with no evidence of reducing patient safety. The impacts of the clinics appear to be reproducible across all five centres in the East Midlands (a population of 5.5 million). Recommendations on further assessment on optimal staff mix and clinic cost mechanisms should be considered to maximise benefits.