The multidisciplinary nature of much patient-care may lead to gaps in the continuity of information which they receive, as well as to different care-professionals giving them contradictory information. As a counter-measure, a protocol has been developed which integrates medical, nursing, and a variety of extramural events and activities into a comprehensive description of 15 'moments' in the care of breast cancer surgery-patients. Among innovations, the protocol includes information about psychosocial guidance following diagnosis, and about the discharge procedure and contact with fellow-sufferers. The protocol was implemented in Rotterdam in 1994, in two hospitals and in the community; and evaluated formatively on the basis of reactions from 53 patients and 81 care-professionals. Both groups found its form and content to be successful and informative.

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doi.org/10.1016/S0738-3991(96)00950-0, hdl.handle.net/1765/64447
Patient Education and Counseling
Department of Surgery

van Wersch, A., Bonnema, J., Prinsen, B., Pruyn, J., Wiggers, T., & van Geel, A. (1997). Continuity of information for breast cancer patients: The development, use and evaluation of a multidisciplinary care-protocol. Patient Education and Counseling, 30(2), 175–186. doi:10.1016/S0738-3991(96)00950-0