Abstract P2-10-06: Group visits to provide gynecologic care for women affected by breast cancer
Authors: Greenwald Sally R , Watson Sarah , Rowen Tami S , Goldman Mindy 
Published: May 2015

Background

Advancements in treatment have resulted in a growing number of women now living with or affected by breast cancer. This patient population has complex and unique gynecologic needs. Two thirds of breast cancers are hormone positive and these patients will often be given Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors which have specific gynecologic effects. Additionally, oophorectomy may be done as part of breast cancer treatment. Chemotherapy may induce menopause with the need for safe and effective treatments for menopausal symptoms. Gynecologists have a very important role in providing care to women affected by breast cancer. Group visits are increasingly used to provide education and care in the setting of chronic disease, including breast cancer. There is limited data regarding the use of this type of healthcare delivery in providing gynecologic focused care to this complex and growing patient population.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study measuring patient expectations and satisfaction with the practice of group visits as a model for providing gynecological health information to women affected by breast cancer. From July 2010 through February 2014 we surveyed women who participated in a two hour new patient visit that involved a one hour information session followed by an approximately 30 minute individual exam with a gynecologist. The goals were to measure the role of a small group format and an individual’s sense of satisfaction with their gynecology clinic experience. Demographic data was collected to determine if there were any correlations with satisfaction and women’s age, stage of disease, hormone receptor and menopausal status.

Results

A total of 104 women participated during the study period. Over 80% of participants in group visits felt that their expectations were met during the visit. Eight five percent felt they had a better knowledge of treatments for gynecologic side effects from cancer treatments. When assessing disease and demographic factors that might be associated with satisfaction, we found that women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer and those with treatment induced menopause were more likely to prefer group visits than women with hormone receptor negative breast cancer or natural menopause. Women with stage 3-4 disease preferred the group education visit experience more than women with stage 1-2 disease.

Conclusion

There is a need to provide comprehensive gynecologic care and education to the expanding population of women impacted by breast cancer. Our data suggests that group visits are an effective and well-received strategy for providing gynecologic care to this niche patient practice. Incorporating a group visit model into a practice is a cost-effective educational modality to providing sources of information and support. Based on our observed differences in satisfaction and preference for group visits by stage of disease, menopause status and hormone receptivity, we recommend investigations grouping similar patients to further improve unique patient education and satisfaction.

Citation Format: Sally R Greenwald, Sarah Watson, Tami S Rowen, Mindy Goldman. Group visits to provide gynecologic care for women affected by breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-10-06.