Focus group feedback from breast cancer patients.

Wayne Memorial Hospital uses focus groups to elicit feedback from clients. One group involved 11 women with breast cancer. Aspects of interest included screening and detection, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, life after cancer, and general perceptions of cancer care. The findings revealed that participants felt the community offered high-quality progressive cancer care. Opportunities for improvement along the continuum were identified, including a need for personalized breast self-exam education, consideration of bed placement in the room following breast surgery, and additional support for breast cancer victims and their husbands. A multidisciplinary plan was developed to address the identified issues.