[Introduction of a liaison-clinical pathway for patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant therapy after curative operation].

A liaison-clinical pathway for patients with stage I to III breast cancer undergoing adjuvant oral chemoendocrine therapy after curative operation has been introduced in our hospital since May of 2008. The form of this pathway was developed from the former cooperative treatment system between our hospital and local clinics. One hundred thirty four patients and 69 clinics have been using this pathway for 6 months. Our liaison-clinical pathway consists of a chart for the clinic-doctor, a leaflet with a checklist for the patient, and supplements. The aim of this pathway was care for patients with breast cancer in addition to total health care in a local clinic. Our pathway decreased patient anxiety and facilitated clinic-doctor acceptance for the cooperative cancer treatment system. A coordinator is a key person who constructs and manages this pathway. There has been no trouble in managing the pathway for 6 months. The liaison clinical pathway will be useful to reduce patient burden while maintaining treatment quality.