Patient satisfaction on prescription refill systems for breast cancer patients in Japan using a digital self-administered survey.

Background: Time toxicity in breast cancer refers to the time burden patients face from treatments, hospital visits, and managing side effects. As survival improves, attention has shifted to the impact of time spent on care. For those receiving long-term endocrine therapy, visiting hospital and waiting time for clinic affect their daily life. Thus, reducing time toxicity is essential to improve quality of life alongside survival outcomes.

Methods: This study surveyed postoperative breast cancer patients requiring hormonal therapy, who attended Yokohama City University Hospital from August 2023 to July 2024, using a digital self-administered survey to assess prescription refills. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the original questionnaire were used to compare changes in status of patients before and after the introduction of prescription refills.

Results: A comparison of outpatient visits before and after prescription refills revealed a decreasing trend in visit frequency. Patient satisfaction showed a significant improvement, with patients giving higher ratings after prescription refills were introduced. The proportion of patients experiencing shorter waits increased, with 49% reporting a reduction in waiting times. Anxiety about extended visit intervals decreased, with only 1% of patients reporting increased anxiety. Notably, patient satisfaction with prescription refills remained high across various postoperative durations and age groups. Approximately 70% of patients expressed a desire to continue using prescription refills, indicating overall positive reception regardless of age or postoperative period.

Conclusion: The introduction of prescription refills led to a reduction in outpatient visits and improvements in patient satisfaction and perceived waiting times. Prescription refills, recently introduced in Japan, are not yet widely recognized but may become a valuable tool for breast cancer patients and healthcare providers. Further research is required to assess the impact of the prescription refills on patient outcomes.