Reference no: EM133537684
Self advocacy with breast cancer
Arati contacted an advocate and relayed her story so that she could take some action to prevent the same thing happening to other women. Arati told the advocate that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and had had surgery and now had concerns about "missed opportunities" during her care. She felt she had not had the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of predictive tools around her treatment. She said she had done some research about her cancer and treatment options available both in New Zealand and overseas. After discovering what tests were actually available in New Zealand, she felt the information and knowledge to make an educated choice had not been provided to her, nor was she given any assistance to help her find the information.
The advocate who had listened carefully to Arati about her situation met with the Arati to discuss how to make a formal complaint. After the advocate had reflected back to Arati her options, Arati felt it was appropriate and fair to initially write to the oncologist involved to raise her concerns and point out what information she had been able to discover herself.
Arati kept in touch with the advocate, sending through a draft of her letter and asking for suggestions of how she might improve the letter and what other information she could include. The advocate provided some advice on how Arati should be clear on "how" and "what" information is provided to patients prior to any treatment being commenced
The oncologist responded initially by phone and then in writing outlining what predictive tests were available in New Zealand and what had been proven to be beneficial in trials. The letter went on to say they had taken on board Arati's concerns and as a result they intended developing an information sheet that defined the status of tests and what is available locally.
The advocate followed up with Arati about the outcome and Arati stated that she was happy with the impact her complaint had had- that more information will be made available to women with breast cancer. She intends to start a support group for other women diagnosed with the same type of cancer. She requested the advocacy file be closed.
Answer the following question
1. Agenda
2. Discussion
3. Conclusion