The BREAST-Q in surgical research: A review of the literature 2009-2015

Abstract

Background: Health outcomes research has gained considerable traction over the past decade as the medical community attempts to move beyond traditional outcome measures such as morbidity and mortality. Since its inception in 2009, the BREAST-Q has provided meaningful and reliable information regarding health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and patient satisfaction for use in both clinical practice and research. In this study, we review how researchers have used the BREAST-Q and how it has enhanced our understanding and practice of plastic and reconstructive breast surgery.

Methods: An electronic literature review was performed to identify publications that used the BREAST-Q to assess patient outcomes. Studies developing and/or validating the BREAST-Q or an alternate patient-reported outcome measure (PROM), review papers, conference abstracts, discussions, comments and/or responses to previously published papers, studies that modified a version of BREAST-Q, and studies not published in English were excluded.

Results: Our literature review yielded 214 unique articles, 49 of which met our inclusion criteria. Important trends and highlights were further examined.

Discussion: The BREAST-Q has provided important insights into breast surgery highlighted by literature concerning autologous reconstruction, implant type, fat grafting, and patient education. The BREAST-Q has increased the use of PROMs in breast surgery and provided numerous important insights in its brief existence. The increased interest in PROMs as well as the underutilized potential of the BREAST-Q should permit its continued use and ability to foster innovations and improve quality of care.

Keywords: BREAST-Q; Breast surgery; PROMS; Patient reported outcome measures; Patient reported outcomes.

Conflict of interest statement

Confliction of Interest Drs. Pusic, Klassen, and Cano are co-developers of the BREAST-Q, which is owned by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. They receive a portion of licensing fees (royalty payments) when the BREAST-Q is used in industry sponsored clinical trials.

Copyright © 2015 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1

BREAST-Q conceptual framework. (Pusic A, Klassen A, Scott A, et al. Development of a new patient-reported outcome measure for breast surgery: the BREAST-Q. with permission.)

Figure 2

Article inclusions and exclusions

Figure 3

Frequency of BREAST-Q by year.

Figure 4

Domain and subdomain frequency.