Using Technology to Promote Shared-Decision Making for Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer Therapy
Julie L Otte, PhD, RN, OCN1; Sarahlena L Panzer, BS2; Carrie T Stricker, PhD, RN2; Nadia Still, DNP, RN2
1Indiana University School of Nursing (Indianapolis, IN); 2Carevive Systems, Inc. (Miami, FL)
Background
Shared Decision Making (SDM) between patients and providers, has been shown to lead to improved patient understanding and satisfaction with treatment choices. One recent study found 85-90% of breast cancer (BC) patients preferred an active or shared role in decision-making. Due to barriers to patientprovider communication about patient preferences, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an underutilized treatment option, despite being shown to improve the chances of breast conservation. The Carevive Care Planning System (CPS), an evidence-based patient assessment and care planning software that has shown to improve patient-provider communication, was adapted to include a decision aid tool for use in surgeon’s offices.
Method
This prospective multi-site intervention project will enroll 75 newly diagnosed BC patients across three cancer centers. Patients interact with the Carevive CPS prior to their initial surgical consultation to report concerns, mastectomy related distress, and medical decision- making preferences. These data are then displayed to surgeons at the point of care, along with algorithm-driven recommendations to facilitate SDM and supportive care plans for the patient. Care plans include treatment options education, including neoadjuvant therapy. Provider participants complete pre-test/post-test questionnaires assessing knowledge, beliefs and use of SDM.
Conclusions
Barriers to SDM about BC therapy remain, and include provider misperceptions about patient’s desired role in decision-making. The novel care planning and treatment decision making tool tested in this pilot project has the potential to improve SDM concerning treatment options to help overcome barriers to provision of neoadjuvant therapy and breast conservation where desired. Preliminary results will be presented.
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