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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
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1 to 4 of 4 Research Studies DisplayedWasp GT, Knutzen KE, Murray GF
Systemic therapy decision making in advanced cancer: a qualitative analysis of patient-oncologist encounters.
This study sought to characterize patient-oncologist communication and decision making about continuing or limiting systemic therapy in encounters after an initial consultation, with a particular focus on whether and how oncologists foster shared decision making (SDM). The authors performed content analysis of outpatient oncology encounters at two US National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers audio recorded between November 2010 and September 2014. A multidisciplinary team used a hybrid approach of inductive and deductive coding and theme development with a combination of random and purposive sampling. Among 31 randomly sampled dyads with 3 encounters each (93 total), systematic therapy decision making was discussed in 90% encounters. Only 34 oncologists broached limiting therapy, which 27 framed as temporary; nine as completion of a standard regime; and five as permanent discontinuation. Thematic analysis found that that (1) patients and oncologists framed continuing therapy as the default, (2) deficiencies in the SDM process (facilitating choice awareness, discussing options, and incorporating patient preferences) contributed to this default, and (3) oncologists use persuasion rather than deliberation when broaching discontinuation.
AHRQ-funded; HS022242.
Citation: Wasp GT, Knutzen KE, Murray GF .
Systemic therapy decision making in advanced cancer: a qualitative analysis of patient-oncologist encounters.
JCO Oncol Pract 2022 Aug;18(8):e1357-e66. doi: 10.1200/op.21.00377..
Keywords: Decision Making, Cancer, Clinician-Patient Communication
Rosenberg SM, Gierisch JM, Revette AC
"Is it cancer or not?" A qualitative exploration of survivor concerns surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ.
This study investigated the impact of a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis by engaging self-identified patients regarding their experience. Findings showed that, in a large, national sample, participants with a history of DCIS reported confusion and concern about the diagnosis and treatment, which caused worry and significant uncertainty.
AHRQ-funded; HS023680.
Citation: Rosenberg SM, Gierisch JM, Revette AC .
"Is it cancer or not?" A qualitative exploration of survivor concerns surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ.
Cancer 2022 Apr 15;128(8):1676-83. doi: 10.1002/cncr.34126..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Decision Making, Women, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Clinician-Patient Communication, Patient and Family Engagement, Communication
Dossett LA, Mott NM, Bredbeck BC
Using tailored messages to target overuse of Low-Value breast cancer care in older women.
The purpose of this study was to examine the role that an individual’s maximizing-minimizing trait, an inherent preference for more or less medical care, may influence the preference for low-value care in the omission of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and post-lumpectomy radiotherapy in women 70 years of age or higher with early-stage, hormone-receptor positive invasive breast cancer. The researchers recruited women 70 years of age or higher (n=1600) who were maximizers (515), minimizers (550), or neutral (535), and presented them with a hypothetical breast cancer diagnosis and then randomized exposure to one of three follow-up messages. Messages included: 1) maximizer-tailored, 2) minimizer-tailored, or 3) neutral. The study reported that higher maximizing tendency correlated positively with electing both SLNB and radiotherapy on logistic regression. Any maximizer- or minimizer-tailoring decreased preference for SLNB in maximizing and neutral women but had no effect in minimizing women. Tailoring had no impact on radiotherapy decision, except for an increased probability of minimizers electing radiotherapy when presented with maximizer-tailored messaging. The study concluded that among women facing a hypothetical breast cancer diagnosis, tendencies for maximizing-minimizing are correlated with preferences for treatment.
AHRQ-funded; HS026030.
Citation: Dossett LA, Mott NM, Bredbeck BC .
Using tailored messages to target overuse of Low-Value breast cancer care in older women.
J Surg Res 2022 Feb;270:503-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.10.005..
Keywords: Elderly, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Women, Decision Making, Clinician-Patient Communication, Communication
Gerber DE, Laccetti AL, Chen B
Predictors and intensity of online access to electronic medical records among patients with cancer.
This study set out to determine predictors and patterns of use of a Web-based portal for accessing PHRs and communicating with health providers among patients with cancer. It found that among patients with cancer, PHR portal use is frequent and increasing. Younger patients, white patients, and patients with upper aerodigestive malignancies exhibit the heaviest portal use.
AHRQ-funded; HS022418.
Citation: Gerber DE, Laccetti AL, Chen B .
Predictors and intensity of online access to electronic medical records among patients with cancer.
J Oncol Pract 2014 Sep;10(5):e307-12. doi: 10.1200/jop.2013.001347..
Keywords: Cancer, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT), Clinician-Patient Communication, Web-Based