Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and also occurs - albeit much less frequently - in men. The rapid development of new, successful treatment options in recent years not only requires precise knowledge of these options, but also an intensive examination of the changing spectrum of side effects and demonstrates the need for physicians to be intensively involved with the mode of action and side effects before making an optimal individual treatment recommendation. This is best achieved through joint communication, information and support for patients.

The WAVES study aims to record the current care structure of people with breast cancer in order to develop future models for improvement. By involving representatives of regional and national patient organizations in the creation of a patient-based and patient-oriented survey, it is ensured that the needs of patients are the focus. In addition to and in contrast to other projects, relevant questions are explicitly addressed not only to patients but also to doctors in order to identify and specify the interfaces between patient wishes/suggestions and to develop clinical consequences for care.

Publications:

Obstetrics and Gynecology 83(6): Medical "taking your time" advocated - first results of the WAVES study in the context of breast cancer diagnosis notification. Conference Paper, 06/2023

WAVES - Reciprocal patient-physician exchange in breast cancer care with the aim of jointly developing new patient-oriented structures.Geburtsh und Frauenheilk 2025:85:116-118 Thieme

Significant increase of patient information and satisfaction with longer initial consultation duration in breast cancer - first results of the WAVES study. Accepted in: Fortune Journal of Health Sciences.

Comments from the review process:

1. Significance and Impact: The WAVES study addresses a crucial aspect of breast cancer care by emphasizing the importance of physician-patient communication. The study's patient-centered approach highlights a significant gap in current healthcare structures, making it highly relevant and impactful for both clinical practice and policy-making.

2. methodological strength: The study design, involving collaboration between patients, patient advocates, and physicians, ensures that the findings truly reflect patient concerns. The inclusion of a large sample size (1,000 patients) further strengthens the reliability and generalizability of the results.

3. clear and meaningful findings: The study provides compelling evidence that longer initial consultations significantly enhance patient satisfaction and understanding of their diagnosis. The statistically significant results (p < 0.001) reinforce the importance of allocating adequate time for physician-patient interactions.

4 Clinical and Policy Implications: The findings have profound implications for healthcare systems and reimbursement structures. The study effectively argues for the need to reassess consultation duration guidelines to improve patient outcomes, which could lead to better psychological preparedness and informed decision-making for breast cancer patients.

5. well-articulated conclusion: The conclusion is strong and well-supported by the data, clearly emphasizing the need for structural improvements in breast cancer care. The study makes a compelling case for policy changes to ensure that patient needs are adequately met.