Rapid assessment breast clinics – Evolution through audit

A rapid access diagnostic clinic for prostate cancer: the experience after one year

“…This is in contrast to the highly organised services in place for symptomatic breast cancer [4]. It has also been shown that prolonged waiting times may negatively impact patients' psychological outcomes and quality of life [5].…”

Comparative cost‐effectiveness of fine needle aspiration biopsy versus image‐guided biopsy, and open surgical biopsy in the evaluation of breast cancer in the era of affordable care act: A changing landscape

“…1,2 Rapid assessment breast clinics are designed to effectively assess symptomatic women with a view to either prompt diagnosis or treatment for those with malignancy or reassurance of those with benign conditions. 6 Therefore, these clinics provide a critically important service in identifying those patients who do not require further therapy. 3 Studies have shown that patient satisfaction with these clinics is generally high 4 and there is evidence of process improvement in delivery of care and reduction of patients stress levels.…”

“…Since their inception, and predominantly in European countries, rapid assessment breast clinics have facilitated early access to rapid diagnosis and/or have prompted alleviation of patient's anxiety. 6,7 Recently, ultrasound has been used to localize breast lesions in palpable and non-palpable breast lesions, which provides another opportunity for pathologists to participate in this process. 5 Rapid assessment breast clinics require considerable specialist input as most patients will be seen only once.…”

“…Interestingly, up to 87% of patients of the rapid assessment of breast clinics do not have cancer. 6 Therefore, these clinics provide a critically important service in identifying those patients who do not require further therapy. 6,7 Recently, ultrasound has been used to localize breast lesions in palpable and non-palpable breast lesions, which provides another opportunity for pathologists to participate in this process.…”

“…6 Therefore, these clinics provide a critically important service in identifying those patients who do not require further therapy. 6,7 Recently, ultrasound has been used to localize breast lesions in palpable and non-palpable breast lesions, which provides another opportunity for pathologists to participate in this process. 8 Core needle biopsy alone or in combination with imprint cytology is another minimally invasive procedure that can offer a diagnosis.…”