Development of an integrated aftercare approach for the prevention and treatment of chronic pain in breast cancer survivors: An intervention mapping approach.

Introduction: After completing breast cancer treatment, a great number of patients experience pain but are not monitored in an interdisciplinary and integrated manner1. This study describes the development of an integrated aftercare approach for managing (chronic) pain after breast cancer treatment in Flanders, Belgium. Methods: We used an intervention mapping approach to guide our development and planning process. This approach consists of six steps2. Results: The different steps of intervention mapping are described, resulting in an integrated aftercare approach to stimulate prevention and an interdisciplinary response in treating (chronic) pain among breast cancer survivors. Several change mechanisms are targeted, such as awareness/knowledge, beliefs, professional confidence, outcome expectancies, and professional role/identity3. The developed aftercare approach consists of an e-learning for healthcare providers, a guideline with facilitating tools for screening and referral regarding pain in breast cancer aftercare, and a reminder system. Additionally, the implementation and evaluation plan are presented. Discussion: Intervention mapping offers a useful framework to undertake a theory-based and ecological approach for decision-making during developing and planning an intervention. This study can be used as a reference for the future development of aftercare approaches. Process evaluation: We would like to address the need to develop interventions that also aim to change the awareness and knowledge of society regarding (chronic) pain after breast cancer treatment. Our qualitative research on the current needs of breast cancer survivors and healthcare providers regarding pain management showed that the environment is not always aware of the long-term side effects of breast cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]