Continuity of care for women with breast cancer: a survey of the views and experiences of patients, carers and health care professionals.

Purpose Of The Research: The need for continuity of care in the management of women diagnosed with breast cancer is important yet challenging. The aim was twofold; to explore 1) the concept of continuity of care from the perspectives of women diagnosed with breast cancer, their carers and their health care professionals (HCPs), 2) actual experiences amongst these three groups relating to continuity of care.

Methods And Sample: A three-phase cross-sectional survey was conducted involving eight focus group interviews with women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer (n = 47) and structured questionnaires to both carers (n = 33) and HCPs (n = 44).