Patient reported outcome measures for breast implant surgery: a pilot study

Background: The Breast-Q Implant Surveillance (BREAST-Q IS) is a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) asking five questions on satisfaction (shape, feel, and rippling) and symptoms (pain and tightness) derived from the BREAST-Q. Objectives: We aimed to pilot BREAST-Q IS on patients within the Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR), an opt-out clinical quality device registry, and explored Short Message Service (SMS) for follow up. Methods: Patients with a breast device surgery in the previous 10-15 months, age ≥18, with a mobile phone number, were invited to complete the 5-question PROM via SMS initially, followed by three phone call attempts if no response, an email, and then a letter by post as a final engagement strategy. Results: 197 participants were included (breast augmentation, BA=118 and breast reconstruction, BR=79). Mean age was 40±12SD years (BA) and 44±11SD years (BR). Mean time since surgery was 414±36SD days (BA), and 413±51SD days (BR). The total response rate, including opt outs, was 76%. 90% of BA and over 80% of BR were very or somewhat satisfied with shape, feel, and wrinkling. Over 70% of BA and over 46% of BR reported no pain or tightness. Completion of survey via SMS was 51% (BA) and 55% (BR). Further responses were received by phone (25%, 26%), post (21%, 16%), and email (3%, 3%). Conclusions: This pilot demonstrated effectiveness of our engagement strategy, with a 76% response rate. Over 50% of respondents used SMS to reply to a 5-question PROM assessing long-term surgical outcomes. This engagement strategy will be used as BREAST-Q IS is rolled out nationally.