Breast and Cervical Cancer

Variations in oncoplastic and reconstructive practice are well-known and studied in the United Kingdom and worldwide. Some variations are due to services geographical fragmentation, patient and cancer-related factors and differences in breast unit’s infrastructure. However, it is evident that the lack of collaboration between local expertise is one the main factors affecting immediate total and partial breast reconstruction. A multi-phased project to re-design the reconstruction pathway was initiated at the Nottingham Breast Institute in March 2016. A new weekly Oncoplastic Forum (OPF) was introduced to improve patients’ outcome and enhance training and educational opportunities for trainees. We undertook a study to explore the impact of introducing an innovative multidisciplinary Oncoplastic Forum (OPF) on utilizing the diversity within the breast team to minimize inequality in accessing reconstructive options and to improve the patient experience. A prospective, inductive single-centered study was conducted using mixed research method. Qualitative data from semi-structured individual and focused group interviews were analyzed. The quantitative data were collected from electronic surveys. The outcome suggested that the oncoplastic forum has improved patient experience from professionals’ point of view. The use of a multidisciplinary approach minimized inter-surgeon variations and streamlined patient pathway. There are opportunities and challenges associated with modern technology and leadership h to impact on implementing safe healthcare changes. This oncoplastic forum might be the solution to address inequality and surgeon’s code discrepancy in oncoplastic practice.