The communication of benign biopsy results in the NHS breast screening programme

Abstract

Background The national service specification for breast screening states that results should be given in-person1. Although this guidance is mostly followed for malignant results, some centres deliver benign biopsy results by telephone. Some patients may prefer receiving their results by telephone, as it may reduce wait time and potentially minimise distress. However, telephone results may not be as extensive as in-person encounters, which could leave patients with a lower understanding of their results. The aim of this project is to explore patient understanding, anxiety and preferences in relation to different communication methods in the delivery of benign biopsy results. Methods The main study will be a survey of women, recruited during their initial assessment clinic at twelve English breast screening centres. Women with a B2 diagnosis will be followed up with a repeat postal questionnaire. Multiple regressions, adjusted for confounders, will be used to measure whether the method of communication used (telephone/in-person) affects the women’s levels of understanding and anxiety. Important confounders for consideration are individual level variables such as age, and centre level variables such as urban/rural setting. Results will be used to inform policy guidelines for the NHS Breast Screening programme. Current stage of work Literature review and discussing method design with policy makers. Implications for health psychology This project uses knowledge about Health Psychology and communication in healthcare to bridge the gap between theory and implementation. It is important for health psychologists to be involved in research that influences policy.