Process

Considerable progress has been made in relation to progressing and implementing both Active Clinical Referral Triage (ACRT) pathways and Discharge Patient Initiated Review (PIR).

These will remain a focus for the Symptomatic Breast Delivery Group going forward in 2023/24.

Active Clinical Referral Triage

Active Clinical Referral Triage (ACRT) aims to ensure that all referrals to secondary care are triaged by a senior clinical healthcare professional to ensure that patients are allocated to the most appropriate pathway to meet their individual needs.

This can include providing patients with information regarding their condition and potential treatment options, supporting informed decision making and ownership of care for patients accessing services, known more commonly as “Opt In”.

Other potential options include attending a virtual clinic through technology enabled care, ordering relevant investigations prior to review, appointment to waiting lists for procedures to be carried out and attendance at clinics to discuss the various treatments options with an appropriate healthcare professional in an out-patient setting.

Click here to find out more about Active Clinical Referral Triage.

Patient Initiated Review

Patient Initiated Review (PIR) aims to reduce the “routine” follow up of patients. Examples for symptomatic breast services includes follow up mammograms following treatment for breast cancer and patients being informed of results without having to attend an out-patient clinic (where appropriate).

PIR has been embedded in delivery of symptomatic breast services over the past few years and will continue to be the model for service delivery going forward.

Click here to find out more about Patient Initiated Review.

NHS Inform

Empowering ownership of care is a key focus of the Symptomatic Breast Speciality Delivery Group.

A review of current patient information resources and advice on symptomatic breast issues available via NHS Inform is planned to ensure patient information available is current, evidence based, and reflective of recommended care for patients, ensuring delivery of safe, effective and person centred care.