Development and Evaluation of Computer-Based Versions of the Decision Board for Early Breast Cancer

Abstract

Abstract : Women with breast cancer have indicated their desire to be involved in decisions about their care. We have developed a decision aid, called the Decision Board for women regarding choices in breast cancer with respect to surgical treatment and the use of adjuvant chemotherapy. Randomized trials have demonstrated that the Decision Board not only increases patient knowledge, but improves patient satisfaction, decreases decisional conflict, and facilitates a shared decision-making between the oncologist and the patient. This present study builds on previous work and involves the development of different versions of the Decision Board using different types of media in order to improve the effectiveness of these instruments and to facilitate their wider use in the community. Two new versions have been produced: a computer-based version, which is presented on a laptop computer, and an easy-to-use paper-based version. These versions are currently being compared with a standard poster size foam-core version in a randomized trial. Important outcomes will include patient comprehension and acceptability. Newer versions of the Decision Board that are easier to use and present will lead to wider use in the community resulting in more knowledgeable and satisfied breast cancer patients.