Elements and Performance Criteria
- Elements define the essential outcomes
- Promote awareness and early detection of breast cancer
- Identify community and individual client needs in determining priorities for promotion of breast awareness and early detection of breast cancer
- Provide accurate clinical information about the nature of breast cancer, including the definition and signs and symptoms
- Give clients accurate information on incidence, survival and mortality rates of breast cancer in relation to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
- Discuss risk factors relating to breast cancer in the context of cultural, community, family and individual issues
- Explain practices for early detection of breast cancer
- Provide information and practical advice relating to modifiable risk factors of developing breast cancer
- Provide information and support to clients being investigated for a breast cancer symptom
- Provide information and support to clients being treated for breast cancer
- Provide information and current evidence regarding breast cancer treatments
- Promote the exchange of information about care needs and positive multidisciplinary clinical partnerships in planning and implementing breast cancer care
- Collaborate with clients, their family/significant others and the multidisciplinary team in planning and implementing care to meet the multiple health and support needs of clients
- Provide appropriate information and resources on supportive care, and facilitate access to health services and community resources which provide such care
- Provide information and support to clients to complete breast cancer follow-up care
- Provide information to clients on follow-up care in relation to the breast cancer journey
- Collaborate with clients, their family/significant others and the multidisciplinary team in planning and implementing follow-up care
- Identify barriers to accessing treatment for cancer in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women
- Provide information on key psychosocial issues facing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women with cancer
- Use basic, culturally appropriate communication skills to support women being treated for breast cancer
- Identify patients at higher risk of psychosocial distress who may benefit from additional assessment and appropriate referral for psychosocial care
- Provide continuity of care for the patient, communicating regularly and collaboratively with the multidisciplinary health care team