Treatment Decisions in Localized Prostate Cancer: Patient Partner and Physician
Abstract
"Treatment Decisions in Localized Prostate Cancer: Patient, Partner and Physician," is a project that used a cross-sectional survey to explore the role of the patient, partner and physician in decisions about treatment of localized prostate cancer. The rationale for this study was based upon the significant uncertainty about the optimal treatment for localized prostate cancer and the need to include patients and partners in the decision making process. The study examined the effect of preferences and perceived preferences among patients, partners and physicians on treatment decisions, decision satisfaction and decision process. In the first six months of the project, survey instruments were developed, pilot tested and refined. Data collection began in November 2000 and terminated in October 2003 after data was collected from 233 patients, 132 spouses and 14 urologists (who saw 184 of the study patients). Although data analysis continues, numerous interesting results have been found to date, including poor knowledge of the common treatment options among patients, the impact of various decision factors on the choice of surgery, urologists misjudging their patients concerns and preferences, a strong influence of urologists' treatment recommendations on treatment choices, and an important role of the patient's spouse in the treatment decision. Many of these results have been presented at academic meetings and are in the process of being submitted for publication.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA427921
Entities
People
- Katrina Armstrong
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania