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Access to Breast Reconstruction in Kuwait: Assessing Surgeon-related Factors as a Barrier to Referral
oleh: Waleed Burhamah, MB BCh, BAO (NUI RCSI) (Hons), Solaiman M. Alshawaf, BMSc, MD, Sarah Al Safi, MD, Abdullah Alabduljalail, BMSc, MD, Sarah AlYouha, MD, PhD, FRCSC
Format: | Article |
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Diterbitkan: | Wolters Kluwer 2022-11-01 |
Deskripsi
Background:. It is not uncommon for breast cancer patients to undergo a mastectomy without receiving or being presented with the option of having a breast reconstruction. With a low rate of breast reconstruction in Kuwait, we aim to assess physician-related factors as a barrier to referral. Methods:. This is an online questionnaire-based study to investigate the variation in the referring general surgeons’ knowledge and perception towards breast reconstructive surgery. Results:. A total of 141 general surgeons responded to the questionnaire, and only 63 (44.7%) always discuss the available options for reconstruction with their breast cancer patients. When asked about referral to a plastic surgeon, only 49 (34.8%) responded with always, and the majority (N = 61; 43.3%) responded with sometimes. More than half (N = 73; 51.8%) believe that the general surgeon should determine patient suitability for referral to a plastic surgeon, while only 53 (37.6%) agree that breast cancer patients should always be referred to a plastic surgeon for consideration of reconstruction. The mean knowledge score was 6.6 of 8, while the mean perception score was 8.9 of 12. Responders with a higher total knowledge score were more likely to discuss with patients the availability of reconstruction. Conclusions:. Despite the acceptable knowledge scores in our general surgeons, there is a low rate of referral for breast reconstruction in Kuwait. There is a pressing need to generate legislations and a streamlined protocol for referral that facilitate access to breast reconstructive services.