Abstract
Women diagnosed with breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ and those with a genetic susceptibility to developing this disease face the challenging decision of whether or not to undergo breast reconstruction following mastectomy. As part of a large randomized controlled trial, this qualitative study examined women's experiences of using the Breast RECONstruction Decision Aid (BRECONDA) and health professionals' feedback regarding the impact of this resource on patients' knowledge and decision making about breast reconstruction. Semistructured interviews were conducted with women who accessed the BRECONDA intervention (N=36) and with their healthcare providers (N=6). All interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis by 3 independent coders. Participants reported an overall positive impression, with all interviewees endorsing this decision aid as a useful resource for women considering reconstructive surgery. Thematic analysis of patient interviews revealed 4 themes: overall impressions and aesthetics; personal relevance and utility; introducing BRECONDA; and advantages and suggested improvements. Analysis of health professionals' interviews also revealed 4 themes: need for BRECONDA, impact of BRECONDA, potential difficulties that may arise in using the decision aid, and recommending BRECONDA to patients. Patients indicated that they derived benefit from this resource at all stages of their decision-making process, with the greatest perceived benefit being for those early in their breast reconstruction journey. These findings support the use of BRECONDA as an adjunct to clinical consultation and other information sources.
Highlights
To help counteract negative psychosocial outcomes, women need sufficient information to make an informed decision about breast reconstruction, as well as opportunities to fully process and consider all available options
One HP noted that timing should be tailored to each patient, given the potential for the images to be „confronting‟ for some women (Patricia), and that for some patients BRECONDA may be less useful, those without internet access or who are not „technologically savvy‟ (Patricia). This qualitative study reported on women‟s experiences of using BRECONDA [11], and HPs‟ feedback regarding its impact on patient knowledge and decision-making about breast reconstruction
Women voiced a clear preference for receiving access to BRECONDA early in their breast cancer journey, they derived benefit irrespective of their decision-making stage
Summary
To help counteract negative psychosocial outcomes, women need sufficient information to make an informed decision about breast reconstruction, as well as opportunities to fully process and consider all available options. We developed an online, interactive decisional support tool, Breast RECONstruction Decision Aid (BRECONDA) to facilitate informed decision making regarding whether or not to have breast reconstruction (see breconda.bcna.org.au) BRECONDA [11] contains modules concerning reconstruction options and potential risks and benefits, incorporating values clarification exercises [12] enabling users to see how other women weighed up their options, and undergo this process themselves. Stress-management guidance and videos of women describing their experiences of reconstruction decision-making are included. Core screens provide basic reconstruction information, wit
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
