Patient-Centered Leadership and Co-Design of Services for Breast Cancer Program in Nicaragua

María Esther Suárez, Karen Vanessa Herrera (), Alma Celeste Avilés, Gonzalo Granados, Ena Patricia García and Chepita Rivera
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María Esther Suárez: Gynecology and Obstetrics Service, Military Hospital, Managua 12087, Nicaragua
Karen Vanessa Herrera: Predicate AI Labs, Managua 14172, Nicaragua
Alma Celeste Avilés: Maternal and Child Department, Military Hospital, Managua 12087, Nicaragua
Gonzalo Granados: Mastologist, Military Hospital, Managua 12087, Nicaragua
Ena Patricia García: Breast Unit, Military Hospital, Managua 12087, Nicaragua
Chepita Rivera: Breast Unit, Military Hospital, Managua 12087, Nicaragua

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 10, 1-15

Abstract: Introduction: The direct participation and leadership of breast cancer patients in program design and implementation can facilitate a nuanced understanding of how individuals perceive and address challenges within their unique contexts. To achieve truly patient-centered care, patients must be formally integrated as a critical component of multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective observational study was conducted. A group of 122 patients (“Breast Unit”) was formed and actively implemented initiatives related to education, prevention, peer support, co-design, and institutional guidance over two years. A second group, consisting of 466 individuals diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer, served as the Beneficiary Patient group. From the “Breast Unit”, 93 patients responded to a structured interview about their experience. Results: The Breast Unit group developed strong leadership skills and collaborated with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to improve care workflows, contributing at both strategic and operational levels. In total, 97% of patients received their first oncology evaluation within 48 h, ensuring timely intervention. The percentage of early-stage breast cancer diagnoses improved, from 67% to 76%. Furthermore, patients who participated in the support group reported no new diagnoses of clinical depression in the past two years. Conclusions: By elevating the patient voice into a substantive role within leadership, strategic planning, and co-design initiatives, healthcare systems can advance a more equitable, effective, and sustainable model of care. Integrating patient contributions with multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for optimizing care processes, improving clinical outcomes. It strengthens the person-centered culture, impacting on a personal and organizational level.

Keywords: breast cancer; patient leadership; co-design; person-centered care (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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