Introduction
In 2013 a breast cancer service was established at Cabrini private hospital, the purpose of which is to deliver multidisciplinary, comprehensive coordinated care and ensure the reduction in fragmentation of care for patients with early breast cancer. An evaluation strategy was embedded into the service model in collaboration with consumers throughout every part the process, to ensure outcomes are measured using quantitative and qualitative data to improve how we deliver care.
Aims
To ensure 100% of Brightways patients have a minimum set of 3 points of contact with the supportive care team as a standard of care for all early breast cancer patients.
To evaluate service data, provide recommendations, and implement strategies to improve the service model.
Method
The method of evaluation includes:
- Monthly quantitative data, collected electronically and measured against established service indicators
- Review of service specific patient satisfaction surveys ( consumer approved), providing qualitative data.
Results
Both quantitative and qualitative results demonstrate Brightways is achieving KPI's and recommended best practice care in a private hospital setting.
Since the launch of Brightways, quantitative results of the minimum supportive care touchpoints for the patient, demonstrates overall improvement as a service.
Qualitative data demonstrates success of the service patient pathway and suggests areas for improvement.
Conclusion
A successful evaluation strategy for measuring supportive care, for women with early breast cancer has been embedded within the Brightways service, providing robust data to inform service improvement in the area of care coordination, and to reduce variation in clinical practice.