Why do hospital mastectomy rates vary?
Author Information
Author(s): Caldon L J M, Collins K A, Wilde D J, Ahmedzai S H, Noble T W, Stotter A, Sibbering D M, Holt S, Reed M W R
Primary Institution: Department of Oncology, University of Sheffield
Hypothesis
This study explores the relationship between mastectomy rates and breast cancer patients’ consultation and decision-making experiences with specialist clinicians.
Conclusion
Variation in hospital mastectomy rates was associated with differences in the consultation and decision-making experiences of breast cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients from low mastectomy rate units reported less comprehensive information.
- Patients from high and medium mastectomy rate units described more detailed information about treatment options.
- Decision-making experiences varied significantly between patients from different breast units.
Takeaway
This study found that how doctors talk to breast cancer patients about their surgery options can change what patients choose, and that different hospitals have different rates of mastectomy.
Methodology
Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 65 patients from three purposively selected breast units.
Potential Biases
Patients from low mastectomy rate units reported less comprehensive information and less autonomy in decision making.
Limitations
Participants were interviewed after surgery, which may introduce recall bias.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 58 years, with a range from 33 to 73 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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