Results from a focus group evaluating TrialTALK, a designed conversation to facilitate cancer treatment shared decision making.

Abstract

34 Background: Cancer treatment decision making involves timely, high-risk, shared decision-making conversations between patients, their families, and their oncologists. These conversations are a prime target for a carefully designed, easy to interpret approach to facilitate preference-sensitive decision-making. The TrialTALK approach has two core elements: a verbal approach and a pen & paper diagram. The diagram includes the diagnosis with prognostic implications, available treatment options along with estimates for efficacy and anticipated impact on daily life. The verbal conversation corresponds to the diagram and includes a phrase to encourage deliberation and empathic responses. Here, we report the results of a focus group conducted in Toronto comparing two approaches to a cancer decision making conversation. Methods: Our focus group was comprised of 9 patients, all with incurable malignancy. They observed a live reading of an actual transcript of a cancer treatment decision making conversation between a patient and oncologist who presented three options: observation, chemotherapy, and a clinical trial. The investigators re-organized the conversation, reusing as many words as possible, into the TrialTALK framework. No new information was introduced. After watching each scene, participants discussed and rated the conversation for information needs and indicated the decision. Results: Three (33%) said rated the standard conversation as meeting their informational needs while 7/9 (78%) reported needs were met by the designed approach. Decision making preferences following the conversations are shown in the table. Patients reported feeling the physician in the designed conversation was more prepared; they felt greater trust and confidence; they valued the paper diagram; they felt more empowered and engaged in the decision. Conclusions: A designed conversation may improve patient understanding, influence decision making, while also enhancing the patient-physician relationship. Clinical trial information: NCT03656276. [Table: see text]