| The following article features coverage from the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) in San Antonio, Texas. Click here to read more of Oncology Nurse Advisor‘s conference coverage. |
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) developed EMBRACE (Ending Metastatic Breast Cancer for Everyone), a comprehensive program implemented in August 2016 designed to improve the care of patients with metastatic breast cancer. A review of the program was presented at the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS 2017).
EMBRACE combines clinical care, clinical research, physician engagement, and patient education. At the core of the program is the EMBRACE coordinator, who meets with every patient at their first visit to review the program and available education and supportive resources. The coordinator also supports oncologists, facilitates referrals to supportive care, identifies candidates for trial prescreening, tracks the availability of molecular and clinical trial results, and acts as a liaison between the institute and referring providers. Coordinators also contact patients every 3 months to inquire about their health and needs and to provide updates on forthcoming education and supportive care activities at DFCI.
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The program enrolls an average of 30 to 40 new patients per month. “The EMBRACE program has made a tangible improvement in the quality of care for patients with metastatic breast cancer in our clinic,” reported DFCI. “We believe that our approach has the potential for impact beyond our institution, and ultimately serve as a model for enhanced academic-community-patient partnership.”
Reference
Hughes ME, Frank ES, Merrill MS, et al. EMBRACE (Ending metastatic breast cancer for everyone): A comprehensive approach to improve the care of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Poster presentation at: 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; December 6-9, 2017; San Antonio, TX. Abstract P4-10-04.
