SP5.13 Supporting patients to maximize well-being after treatment for primary breast cancer in Kent and Medway: a qualitative service evaluation

Background Research shows there is a negative impact on mental well-being in primary breast cancer patients following treatment. Impact of cancer treatments on mental well- being is not fully understood and it is important to know what matters to these patients and how to support them. This leads to the following research question: How can services be improved to maximize mental well-being of patients after treatment for primary breast cancer through a service evaluation? Methods Qualitative data was collected as an interview study which was undertaken in a single NHS Trust to evaluate services. Ethical approval was obtained. Five individual interviews were conducted with 2 clinical staff members, 1 breast cancer charity trustee and 2 patient representatives to best understand how mental well-being has been negatively impacted and what can be done to improve this. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. Results Three themes emerged from the interview data: resilience and strength, feeling safe and supported, and feeling well and healthy. These themes were shown to be involved in improving mental well-being in primary breast cancer patients. Furthermore, a toolkit was identified which is a package involving thematic analysis. Key components included shorter waiting times for results, counselling sessions and physical activity guidance. Conclusions Mental well-being in primary breast cancer patients can be maximized by using a toolkit as part of their care plan. This will equip them in better ways to ensure they feel resilient and strong, safe and supported, well and healthy.