Abstract PS1-04-14: A Service Evaluation Audit of a Holistic Health Follow Up Clinic for Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract Background: The Holistic Health Follow Up Breast Cancer Clinic provides a consultation service for early stage breast cancer patients that is available towards the end of their treatment pathway when all modalities of therapy have been completed. These clinics are run by specialist breast care nurses and assess a patient’s knowledge and understanding of treatments to-date. A plan for subsequent follow up and support is proposed and coordinated that aligns with current research suggesting the importance of a broad and multifaceted approach that encompasses various health domains including physical, emotional and social needs after treatment. Methods: A service evaluation audit was conducted to gauge the effectiveness of the holistic clinic in supporting patient knowledge and confidence in three key areas: self-examination, planning of follow up imaging and knowledge of treatments received and potential adverse effects that might impact on quality-of-life. Patients were further probed in terms of understanding different types of treatment and why these were recommended. A questionnaire was designed to assess the aforementioned areas using a combination of ordinal rating scales and free-text responses. Patients were allowed two weeks for completion and return of the questionnaire without any reminders being issued. Results were analyzed with graphic representation of numerical data and assessment of patient confidence in each designated area. Additional themes were extracted from the free-text responses to identify strengths and limitations of the holistic clinic assessment, thereby offering insight into further development of the service and improving patient care. Results: The questionnaire was issued to 206 patients with a response rate of 30% (61/206). More than 80% of patients reported improved understanding of follow up imaging whilst over 90% of patients considered their understanding of treatment and side-effects to be improved following a holistic consultation. By contrast, only 57% of responders either fully or partly declared any improved confidence in performing self-examination. Amongst the various treatment modalities, the proportion of patients who fully understood reasons for receiving surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were 98%, 79% and 64% respectively. Moreover, only half (50%) understood the rationale for extended hormonal therapy and fewer than half (41%) fully appreciated the adverse impact of ovarian suppression. Free-text responses revealed some uncertainty about the exact purpose of the holistic clinic with requests for more emphasis on practical support in areas such as mental health and lymphedema and tailoring of support literature based on personal need. Conclusion: The holistic clinic achieves its overall aims with more than three-quarters of patients reporting improved understanding of treatments received, treatment-related side-effects and follow up imaging strategies. Areas that were less well addressed included hormonal therapies and breast self-examination where more thorough explanation, adjustments of information provision and better signposting of support services may be indicated. Citation Format: R. Thomas, C. Richardson, C. Smith, J. R. Benson. A Service Evaluation Audit of a Holistic Health Follow Up Clinic for Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS1-04-14.