Preferences for different methods of communicating information regarding adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer

Jamie L. Studts, Troy D. Abell, Lynne M. Roetzer, Ashley N. Albers, Kelly M. McMasters, Celia Chao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Many patients play an active role in determining their cancer treatments, and the communication of medical information influences patient decision-making. This study examined participants' preferences between various methods of communicating quantitative risks and benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy. Using clinical vignettes, participants were first asked to decide whether or not to endorse chemotherapy and were subsequently asked about their preferences for the methods used to communicate the risks and benefits. Participants preferred the absolute survival benefit method over negatively framed methods, such as relative or absolute risk reduction. We also present analysis of qualitative data which supports the conclusions drawn from quantitative analyses. In summary, the absolute survival benefit was shown to be the superior method of communicating quantitative risks and benefits of chemotherapy. Failure to use clear and concise methods of communicating quantitative risk and benefit information may compromise efforts to obtain informed consent for treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)647-660
Number of pages14
JournalPsycho-Oncology
Volume14
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Oncology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Preferences for different methods of communicating information regarding adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this