266883 Empowering women with breast cancer during the decision-making process about breast reconstruction options: Results from nationwide patient education workshops

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Ivy Ahmed, MPH, MCHES , Education and Outreach, Cancer Support Community, Washington, DC
Allison Harvey, MPH, CHES , Education & Outreach, Cancer Support Community, Washington, DC
Erica Weiss, MPH, MSUP , Consultant, Cancer Support Community, Kensington, MD
Marni Amsellem, PhD , Consultant, Cancer Support Community, Washington, DC
As breast cancer treatments have improved so have the number of women with breast cancer opting for breast reconstruction. According to the American Cancer Society (2012), 229,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, which means a large cohort will face challenging decisions around reconstructive surgery. In 2010 the Cancer Support Community (CSC) took steps to improve access to honest and comprehensive information about reconstruction options women have after cancer. Guided by a national survey of 840 women, and Social Cognitive Theory an evidence-based educational program was developed. Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Spotlight on Breast Reconstruction, combines professionally-led workshops with a booklet to empower those affected by breast cancer to actively partner with their healthcare team when making treatment decisions. Launched in 2011, the present analyses examine success in meeting program goals. 397 workshop attendees completed post-workshop evaluations (55% response rate). Most respondents (76.1%) were cancer patients/survivors, 74.8% were Caucasian, average age 53.4. Nearly all recommend the workshop (97.6%) and booklet (95.4%) to others facing similar concerns. Respondents reported a significant gain in knowledge about reconstruction options post-workshop (F= 18.9, p <.01). Nearly all attendees reported increased self-efficacy in asking informed questions to healthcare providers (92.6%), in discussing side effects (89.0%), and in making decisions (89.8%). Workshop outcomes included large gains in the critical role of communicating openly and proactively with medical professionals. Workshop results suggest the program is successful in improving access to comprehensive information about all reconstruction options, including not having reconstruction.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
Describe a successful empowerment program that educates women about breast reconstruction options following a diagnosis of breast cancer. Explain the need for breast reconstruction education resources and tools to build self efficacy for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Discuss the significance of providing comprehensive breast reconstruction information to women at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Keywords: Cancer, Breast Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I lead the development and implementation of this program. In such, I managed the needs assessment, dissemination of a national survey and the ensuing program collateral and program delivery. I have a relationship with each of the over 30 sites nationwide that have run the program in the past year.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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