Table 1 Variables used in the cluster analysis by type of integration of screening programmes into breast centres
Type of integration | Variable |
|---|---|
Structural integration | The breast centre and the screening programme use the same software for patient management (screening invitation, basic test, assessment examinations) (D52) The breast centre and the screening programme share a database with patient information (D55) There is a reference person who ensures the link between the breast centre and the screening programme for women with suspected cancer (D57) Number of activities shared by the breast centre and the screening programme using the same software for patient management (D53_CONT) Number of items of information shared between the breast centre and the screening programme via shared database (D56_CONT) Number of health workers/professionals who ensure the link between the breast centre and the screening programme (D58_CONT) Number of health professionals from the screening programme who also work in the clinical area of the breast centre (D59_CONT) |
Process integration | The screening activity is included into the diagnostic-therapeutic clinical protocol adopted by the breast centre (D65) |
Functional integration | The breast centre and the screening programme share the same budget (D51) The person responsible for the breast centre and the one responsible for the screening programme share objectives about responsiveness and promptness of treatment (D67) Frequency of coordination meetings between the breast centre and the screening programme (D70) Availability of training opportunities targeting health professionals both from the breast centre and the screening programme (D73) |