Exploring Breast Referral Behaviours in Primary Care
This study is looking to understand the experiences of women in the UK who have visited their GP with breast health concerns and were then referred to a specialist. Researchers want to find out what made it easier or harder for them to get that referral, especially if there was a worry about breast cancer. Breast cancer is very common in UK women, and getting it checked early by a specialist doctor is crucial for the best health outcomes. Because most breast cancers are found after someone sees their GP, this study hopes to find ways to help doctors improve how they refer patients. The findings could lead to better training for GPs and new tools to support them in making timely referrals.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research is all about understanding what happens when women in the UK go to their GP with a breast health concern, like a lump or pain. It's really important because breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the UK, and finding it early often means treatments are more successful. Most of the time, breast cancer is found after someone first talks to their GP about their symptoms.
The study wants to hear directly from women who have been through this experience. They want to learn what helped them get referred to a specialist for further checks, and what might have made it difficult or caused delays. This could include things like how clearly they explained their concerns, how their GP responded, or even personal feelings about seeking help. The aim is to gather this information to help improve how GPs manage breast health concerns.
By understanding these experiences, the researchers hope to find ways to make health services better. This could involve updating training for GPs on breast health, or creating new tools to help them decide when and how to refer patients quickly and appropriately. This study is being supported by CoppaFeel!, a charity dedicated to breast health awareness, showing how important this topic is for women's health.
Key takeaways
- Share your experience of GP referral for breast concerns.
- Help improve future care for women with breast health worries.
- Involves a short questionnaire and one online interview or group chat.
- Open to women 18+ referred by their GP in the last year.
- Your participation is confidential and helps shape GP training.
- Supported by breast health charity, CoppaFeel!.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you are a woman aged 18 or over. This study is specifically for women who were assigned female at birth and are using the NHS in England or Wales.
Crucially, you must have seen your GP (family doctor) within the last year about a breast health concern – for example, if you found a lump, had pain, or any other worry about your breasts. After seeing your GP, you must have been referred to a specialist hospital clinic for further investigation.
You cannot take part if your concerns were first picked up during a routine breast screening appointment (like a mammogram) rather than by your GP. Also, if you need a language translator to take part, this study unfortunately isn't set up to include you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Were you assigned female at birth?
- Do you use NHS healthcare in England or Wales?
- Did you see your GP for a breast health concern within the last year?
- Did your GP then refer you to a specialist clinic for further checks?
- Can you participate in an online discussion without a translator?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the first step will be to answer some questions about your health history and other general details. This will likely take about 30 minutes and will be done before your main discussion.
After that, you will have one online meeting. This will either be a 'semi-structured interview' where you talk one-on-one with a researcher, or a 'focus group' where you join a small group of other women to share your experiences and discuss certain topics. This meeting is expected to last about 1 hour. All discussions will be held online when possible.
The researchers expect to gather all their information from participants over about six months. However, your personal involvement, from when you first provide information to your interview/focus group, will last up to three months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of NottinghamVerified postcodeNottingham, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a 'semi-structured interview'?
It's a conversation with a researcher where they have a list of topics to discuss, but you can share your thoughts freely, which helps them understand your unique experience.
What is a 'focus group'?
This is a discussion with a small group of people who have similar experiences. You all talk about the same topics, and it's a great way to hear different views and see what's common.
Will my GP know I'm taking part?
The study aims to improve services, not to check up on individual GPs. Your participation is confidential, and your GP will not be informed unless you choose to tell them.
How will my information be kept private?
All information you share will be treated confidentially. Your name and identifying details won't be used in any reports or findings, ensuring your privacy is protected.
Do I need to have had breast cancer to take part?
No, you don't. You only need to have had a breast-related health concern that led to a GP referral to a specialist clinic. Your actual diagnosis doesn't matter for this study.
How to find out more
Beth J Richmond, PhD student
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.