The association of breast surgery ASPIRE - Breast pain pathway rapid evaluation project: Study update
Published Date: 01st May 2024
Publication Authors: Chagla. L
Background
Breast pain accounts for 20-40% of new referrals to breast units with multiple pathways for patient management. This prospective multi-centre service evaluation, supported by the ABS, aims to assess the safety and patient satisfaction of different Breast Pain-only Pathways (BPPs).
Method(s)
All UK breast units were invited to submit their pathway that assessed breast pain only- either BPP or one-stop-clinic, to join the ASPIRE study for evaluation between January-December 2023. Patient satisfaction assessments are submitted at the end of their breast pain consultation episode. Patient outcomes are followed up at 12 months, to capture any subsequent cancer diagnosis or re-attendance with the same complaint. All data are collected on a secure REDCap database housed in an NHS Trust, after local governance approvals are granted.
Result(s)
Currently 25 units are 'onboarded' to the project, with 17 units recruiting. There is a geographical spread covering the UK, with 7 different models of BPP (Telephone clinic, dedicated breast clinic, community-based specialist clinic for under 40s, GP managed, self-managed, imaging only, one-stop-clinic). Currently, 1138 records have been entered, after four months of 'go live' and a prior four-month pilot phase. Recruitment is projected to reach the target population size of 5000 at the end of prospective data gathering phase in September 2024.
Conclusion(s)
The ABS ASPIRE project is robustly evaluating a wide range of breast pain only pathways to inform future pathway design and implementation. Participation is good with outcome results expected from February 2026.
Hubbard, T; Chagla, L et al. (2024). The association of breast surgery ASPIRE - Breast pain pathway rapid evaluation project: Study update. European Journal of Surgical Oncology. 50(Supple 1), Article Number: 108109. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108109 [Accessed 17 May 2024]
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