AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Shared Decisionmaking for Breast Cancer Patients Leads to High Levels of Patient Satisfaction, and Comfort with Decisions and Treatment Preferences

Shared Decisionmaking for Breast Cancer Patients Leads to High Levels of Patient Satisfaction, and Comfort with Decisions and Treatment Preferences

Snapshot
Summary
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center fully integrates shared decision making into breast cancer care through the Center for Shared Decision Making, which proactively contacts breast cancer patients to provide them with information that will help them choose a course of treatment based on their own preferences and concerns. Newly diagnosed patients receive a free video/DVD, booklet, and questionnaire to help prepare them for their initial surgeon visit; one-on-one counseling sessions with center staff are also available. The program has helped patients understand their treatment options, made patients more comfortable with and reduced conflict about the decisions they make, and improved the quality of patient–surgeon interactions. Patient satisfaction with the program is also high.

Evidence Rating
Moderate: The evidence consists of scores on post-implementation satisfaction surveys and knowledge tests, pre- and post-implementation comparisons of levels of decisional conflict, and anecdotal reports from surgeons.

Developing Organizations
Comprehensive Breast Program; Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Center for Shared Decision Making



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AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Shared Decisionmaking for Breast Cancer Patients Leads to High Levels of Patient Satisfaction, and Comfort with Decisions and Treatment Preferences