Longitudinal regret and information satisfaction after deciding on treatment for localized prostate cancer with or without a decision aid. Results at one-year follow-up in the PCPCC trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of including an online decision aid (DA) during prostate cancer treatment counseling on decisional regret and information satisfaction in a one-year follow-up.

Methods: Within a cluster RCT, 18 Dutch hospitals were randomized to DA counseling or care-as-usual, patients (n = 382) initially completed questionnaires directly after treatment decision making. Six and twelve months later regret (Decisional Regret Scale) and information satisfaction (SCIP-B) were assessed. Anxious and depressive symptoms (HADS) was included as possible covariate.

Results: After 12 months, 43 participants (15%) regretted their treatment choice and 105 participants (36%) were dissatisfied with the information that was received at the time of decision-making, regardless of being exposed to the DA. Anxious and depressive symptoms at follow-up were associated with regret and information dissatisfaction.

Conclusion: No long-term benefical effects emerged from DA usage compared to patients who underwent standard counseling.

Practice implications: During PCa treatment counseling, healthcare providers should be aware of anxious and depressive symptoms.

Keywords: Decision aid; Patient-reported outcomes; Prostate cancer; Regret; Satisfaction; Shared decision making; Treatment.