The Statewide Oncoplastics Breast Reconstruction Initiative will determine the next steps in the surgical management of a person with breast cancer. Learnings and deliverables from the current model internal to Mater can be leveraged for a Statewide approach.
These include:
- Ensuring people with diagnosed breast cancer undergo appropriate discussion and decision making and have a recommended treatment plan developed.
- Ensuring appropriate on-referral to the treatment team for individualised treatment.
- Documentation and standardise management for the purpose of practice improvement.
- Enhanced communication across settings to support patient outcomes.
The project proposes a virtual MDT between Breast, Oncoplastic and Plastic Surgeons to discuss and plan the surgical options available to women with active or recent breast cancer. Utilising video conference, Telehealth store and forward, and 3D imaging software, a case-conference type discussion will occur where the patient’s oncology history and clinical photography can be reviewed and considered by the referring Specialist and clinical leaders in Breast Reconstruction.
Breast Surgeons from anywhere in Queensland will be able to refer a patient who has been diagnosed with breast cancer to the meeting group. The set referral information, along with appropriate photography will be securely messaged to a Mater “gateway” where images will be uploaded into the visual imaging system and prepared with the patient’s oncology history for discussion. Following discussion a recommendation will be returned to the referring specialist along with a PDF version of any required imaging. This enables the local specialist to have an informed discussion with the patient around the outcome, prior to their mastectomy.
A copy of the “discharge” recommendations will also be available for the GP. These will be sent directly for continuity of care and will be available via accessing the Mater Doctor Portal. Additionally, when appropriate, they could also be uploaded to the My Health Record of the patient.
In the outcome of a delayed reconstruction the patient can complete their Oncology surgery and continue along their pathway, under the guidance of the GP, until the time a referral for delayed reconstruction is appropriate. If an immediate reconstruction is recommended the patient can be referred or moved to the most appropriate facility for their care, improving timing and access to definitive care for the patient.
