Breast cancer: development of a patient‐focused audit tool

Aims: To produce an audit tool which incorporates patient views on the whole process of care, for use in any district. Design and methods: A steering group with multi‐professional and lay representation, from primary and secondary care, was set up to oversee the project. A representative sample of 123 women with breast cancer was identified from participating practices. Audit of care as described in general practitioner notes was combined with patient questionnaires and interviews. Results: Worthwhile information of patients' concerns and the process of care can be collected by this combined approach. A questionnaire format is suitable for many aspects; offering an interview as an alternative encourages some women to participate who would otherwise refuse. The information collected by both techniques is broadly similar, and interface issues are well covered. Conclusions: This audit tool can be used by different providers or purchasers to give comparative information that addresses both patient and professional concerns.