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A theory-based decision aid for patients with cancer: results of feasibility and acceptability testing of DecisionKEYS for cancer

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Abstract

Purpose

Appropriate utilization of treatment is a goal for all patients undergoing cancer treatment. Proper treatment maximizes benefit and limits exposure to unnecessary measures. This report describes findings of the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a short, clinic-based decision aid and presents an in-depth clinical profile of the participants.

Methods

This descriptive study used a prospective, quantitative approach to obtain the feasibility and acceptability of a decision aid (DecisionKEYS for Balancing Choices) for use in clinical settings. It combined results of trials of patients with three different common malignancies. All groups used the same decision aid series. Participants included 80 patients with solid tumors (22 with newly diagnosed breast cancer, 19 with advanced prostate cancer, and 39 with advanced lung cancer) and their 80 supporters as well as their physicians and nurses, for a total of 160 participants and 10 health professionals.

Results

The decision aid was highly acceptable to patient and supporter participants in all diagnostic groups. It was feasible for use in clinic settings; the overall value was rated highly. Of six physicians, all found the interactive format with the help of the nurse as feasible and acceptable. Nurses also rated the decision aid favorably.

Conclusions

This intervention provides the opportunity to enhance decision making about cancer treatment and warrants further study including larger and more diverse groups. Strengths of the study included a theoretical grounding, feasibility testing of a practical clinic-based intervention, and summative evaluation of acceptability of the intervention by patient and supporter pairs. Further research also is needed to test the effectiveness of the decision aid in diverse clinical settings and to determine if this intervention can decrease overall costs.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge that Drs. Hollen, Gralla, and Weiss’s lung study was supported by a grant from NIH (National Institute of Nursing Research—1R21NR009346-01A1). Drs. Hollen, Brenin, and Schroen’s breast study was supported by a grant from the University of Virginia Cancer Center (National Cancer Institute—P30CA44579) and Women’s Four Miler Breast Care Program Award. Lastly, Drs. Jones, Thomas, and Hollen’s prostate study was supported by a grant from NIH (National Cancer Institute—1R21CA131754-01).

Conflict of interest

The authors do not have any conflicts to disclose.

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Correspondence to Patricia J. Hollen.

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Hollen, P.J., Gralla, R.J., Jones, R.A. et al. A theory-based decision aid for patients with cancer: results of feasibility and acceptability testing of DecisionKEYS for cancer. Support Care Cancer 21, 889–899 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1603-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1603-8

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