Article Text
Abstract
Introduction National guidelines recommend that shared decision making be employed where several treatment or supportive care options are available to the patients with cancer. Shared decision making is associated with positive outcomes for patients including reduced decision regret surrounding their treatment and reduction of unrealistic expectations. Optimising shared decision making in situations where cancer is no longer curable may facilitate the discussion about not only the aims of treatment but also the patient's life goals and how their treatment options may affect these.
Aim to evaluate the Cancer-Goal Use In DEcisions (Can-GUIDE) web-based communication/decision aid as a resource for facilitating goals of care conversations and shared decision making in the context of incurable cancer.
Method A pre-test post-test pilot study to assess the benefit of Can-GUIDE on patient experience and shared decision making. The quality of the decision making process is currently being assessed by determining the effect on patient decision self-efficacy, decision conflict, preparation for decision making and perceived involvement in shared decision making with their clinician. Oncology clinician opinion will be sought to determine whether patient responses to the package helped guide GOC conversations within their consultations. Furthermore, GPs will be surveyed to determine the usefulness of receiving a tool documenting GOC conversations within oncology consultations. The views of all participant groups surrounding the usability and acceptability of Can-GUIDE are also being investigated.
Results Currently, 14 patients have been recruited for the study with 4 withdrawn due to progressing disease or non-compliance with protocol. Data collection is due to complete March 2018 with a total of 40 patients recruited.
Conclusions If our pilot results demonstrate the potential value of Can-GUIDE a fully powered randomised controlled trial will be conducted to tests its effectiveness on improving patient-centred outcomes.