New AHRQ Research Review Looks at Effectiveness of Decision Aids for Treating Early Cancer

AHRQ examined the effectiveness of decision aids used by people facing treatment or screening decisions for early cancer in a new research review that found considerable diversity in both format and available evidence among the aids. The review, “Decision Aids for Cancer Screening and Treatment,” is useful for creators of patient decision aids and those considering whether to use decision aids. It found strong evidence that cancer-related decision aids increase knowledge about available treatments and next steps without negatively impacting decision-making ability or causing additional anxiety. The review also found evidence that decision aids can help users make informed decisions and choices that best agree with their values, and provide accurate understanding about the risks of treatment.