Managing uncertainty about treatment decision making in early stage prostate cancer: a randomized clinical trial
- PMID: 19819096
- DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2009.09.009
Managing uncertainty about treatment decision making in early stage prostate cancer: a randomized clinical trial
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a theory-based decision-making uncertainty management intervention (DMUMI) providing newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients with information, communication skills and personally designed prompts.
Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted using a 3x2 design with intervention and control groups including both Caucasian and African-American men. General linear mixed models were used to compare intervention groups over time.
Results: Significant main effects for the treatment groups were found for uncertainty management (cancer knowledge, problem-solving, and patient-provider communication), medical communication competence, number and helpfulness of resources for information, and decisional regret.
Conclusion: The intervention was effective in uncertainty management for Caucasian and African-American men, specifically in preparing competent patients with improved knowledge, problem-solving skills, information resources, and communication skills. Using the Uncertainty in Illness Theory, specific skills were selected with a focus on the antecedents of uncertainty.
Practice implications: In the treatment decision-making context, patients and supportive others need information about disease, treatment options and side effects but they also need communication skills training prior to the treatment decision consultation.
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