Prostate cancer visual representation: facilitating decision making

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Facilitating patient decision making about treatment options for prostate cancer using visual representation

• IRAS ID

  134770

• Contact name

  Julie Turner-Cobb

• Contact email

  J.M.T.Cobb@bath.ac.uk

• Research summary

  BACKGROUND- Recent research has highlighted the difficulties faced by patients diagnosed with prostate cancer when choosing between treatment options. Issues can be linked with high levels of anxiety and distress for the patient and their partners. Yet decisions at this time can have important consequences for outcomes, and satisfaction with treatment options can impact quality of life. The way that information about treatment is provided during oncology appointments is therefore of central importance to patient psychological and physical outcomes. Using ways of communicating which reduce anxiety and give clear appreciation of treatment options will aid decision making.

  AIM- The aim of this pilot study is to compare two different ways of communicating treatment options to men diagnosed with prostate cancer, who attend oncology appointments at Royal United Hospital Bath. Participants will be randomised to:

  1) Verbal
  2) Verbal, plus visual representation. A one sided, plastic laminated information sheet for use by the Consultant Oncologist during the consultation only. This will include a presentation of treatment options, including side effects.

  PARTICIPANTS- Patients must be eligible for a choice in treatment: 1) suitable for all treatment options (radiotherapy, surgery, surveillance) or 2) at least all radical options (radiotherapy or surgery).

  FOLLOW UP- Patients are followed up over the next 3 weeks. There are two time points of assessment:

  1)Baseline following consultation - in person in the waiting room
  2)Follow-up by post 3 weeks after consultation

  MEASURES: Patients will be assessed on:
  1)Understanding of options – tick box quiz in waiting room following consultation
  2)Levels of anxiety/distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Impact of Events Scale (IES))
  3)Treatment decisions and the process of making those decisions

  Additional information will be recorded, including whether they are accompanied at the appointment/consultation (e.g. spouse) and at 3 weeks follow up they will be asked if they used other sources of information (e.g. internet).

• REC name

  North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  13/NW/0890

• Date of REC Opinion

  6 Feb 2014

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion