352 Patient-Friendly Pathology Reports for Patients With Breast Atypias

Abstract Context Breast atypias (atypical ductal hyperplasia [ADH], lobular neoplasia [LN], flat epithelial atypia [FEA], and apocrine atypia [AA]), portend increased risk of breast cancer. Excision is typically standard; however, as these lesions are risk markers, not cancer, patients may have to wait for next steps in care, leading to patient anxiety and feelings of neglect. We aimed to provide patients with comprehensible information on their diagnoses in attempt to ease anxiety. Methods Patients with first diagnoses of breast atypia (7/2015-1/2017) were each mailed a copy of her pathology report along with a one-page information sheet on her diagnosis. Patients were given a survey at the first clinic visit to assess the following: receipt of mailing, value of information, and patient comprehension. Results The 40 patients with first diagnoses of atypia included 21 (52.5%) ADHs, eight (20%) LNs, six (15%) FEAs, one (2.5%) AA, two (5%) ADH and LN, one (2.5%) LN and FEA, and one (2.5%) ADH and FEA. Of the 40, 38 (95%) patients received surveys at first visit (one declined an appointment, and one was seen 6 days after diagnosis, prior to clinic notification of need for survey). Mean time from diagnosis to appointment was 29 days (range 6–121). Thirty-eight (95%) patients underwent excision with mean time to surgery of 66 days (range 21–140). Eighteen of 38 (47.4%) patients returned surveys. Of the 17 (94.4%) reported to have received the mailing, 16 (88.9%) reported that it was helpful and understandable, and 14 (77.8%) reported that they “did not have breast cancer” (note: one patient only answered the question asking whether she received the report). Conclusions Patient-friendly pathology reports are beneficial for patients with breast atypias; this is likely also true for patients with other diagnoses, especially those who typically have delays from diagnosis to next steps in care.