Knowledge, consultation time, and choice in breast reconstruction (Letter)

Abstract

Dear Editor

Approximately one in every seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. For women who undergo surgical cancer treatments, breast reconstruction is an option. Women’s decision-making processes in breast cancer surgical procedures are clearly influenced by doctors’ recommendations1. Patient–clinician trust is thus critical for high-quality medical decision-making in postmastectomy breast reconstruction. It is not surprising then that research has shown that increased preoperative information and surgeon interaction significantly influence patient satisfaction after breast reconstruction2,3. Optimal outcomes regarding elective medical procedures require effective communication between patients and the medical professionals involved4. However, very few metrics are available for analysis in relation to duration of consultation between surgeons, nurses, and patients, and particularly how patients perceive and are influenced by the expert knowledge they receive.