Decision Support for Women With Early Breast Cancer

Abstract

Approximately 100,000 new cases of lymph node–negative, estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States (Jemal et al., 2007). Adjuvant treatment for these patients is recommended and may include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, combined chemotherapy plus hormonal therapy, or observation alone. Patient uncertainty plus dissatisfaction with the level of decision-making control over treatment options is common. This evidence-based practice change project focuses on improving the decision-making confidence of women with early stage breast cancer by increasing active participation in the discussion of treatment options. Seven participants’ decision control preferences were determined using a Control Preferences Scale. The effect of this intervention on satisfaction with the process was evaluated by using a 6-question Satisfaction With Decision instrument. There was a significant difference p < .05 in satisfaction with the decision process using a 2-tailed t test. This test was used to evaluate the effect of the intervention on satisfaction with the decision-making process compared to a group of women who did not receive the intervention. Women with early breast cancer can benefit from nursing interventions targeted at supporting their preferred level of decision control when making decision regarding treatment choices.