Breast Rapid Access Visit and Education (BRAVE): An Advanced Practice-Led Project.

BACKGROUND

A diagnosis of breast carcinoma or atypia is stressful and often life-altering for patients. Institutional goals for all cancer centers include rapid access to oncology care and optimal patient experience. Collaboration among doctorally prepared advanced practice clinicians (APCs) may contribute to enhanced clinical operations and affect patient satisfaction.

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to decrease time between breast biopsy and initial clinician visit by implementing an expedited APC-led visit within days of diagnosis.

METHODS

PhD- and DNP-prepared leaders designed a pilot project in response to delays in scheduling new patient appointments, which was implemented from September 2024 to February 2025. Patients were scheduled with breast oncology APCs prior to seeing oncology surgeons.

FINDINGS: Patient access metrics highlighted earlier appointment availability with increased uptake in APC visits, breast magnetic resonance imaging, and genetic services. Monthly patient satisfaction scores improved, and qualitative patient feedback noted reduced anxiety as well as gratitude for immediate access to care and navigation.