Improving the quality of breast cancer surgical treatment decisions.

Abstract

6024 Background: Ensuring breast cancer treatment decisions are high quality (i.e., informed and preference-concordant) is a key component of patient centered care. Methods: A web-based decision tool, including an interactive preference clarification exercise, was developed over a one-year period with input from health communication experts, clinicians, and women with breast cancer. Newly diagnosed early stage breast cancer patients from two cancer centers were recruited and randomized to view the tool before or after completing a survey. Mean scores for key outcome measures, including surgical treatment knowledge (4 true/false questions), decision satisfaction (12 questions each with a 5-point Likert scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree), and preference-concordant decisions, were compared between the groups using t-tests. Concordance between preferences and surgical choices was evaluated using the chi-square test. Results: 110 subjects were recruited and 105 completed the study. Their mean age was 57 years, 60% had a college degree or more, and 81% were white. Those viewing the website first had higher scores on several decision outcomes than those taking the survey first (Table). Knowledge scores were also higher among those viewing the website before the survey (3.0 vs. 2.61, p=.23). The risk of recurrence was the most important treatment attribute, followed by retaining the natural breast, in both groups. Concordance between treatment choice and computer generated treatment was 65% for website first and 61% for survey first groups. Conclusions: A tool focused on improving knowledge and preference-concordant decisions produced positive results on breast cancer surgical treatment decision making. Further work should assess the impact of the tool in larger and more diverse populations. [Table: see text]