Improving the quality of decision making in breast cancer: consultation planning template and consultation recording template.
OBJECTIVE
To describe two templates that can be used to improve the quality of breast cancer treatment decisions.


METHODS
Case study, survey of current users, three clinical trials.


RESULTS
Clinical applications of the Consultation Planning Template and Consultation Recording Template vary across organizations. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the templates can improve the quality of decisions, the quality of communication between patients and providers, and satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
The templates can be adapted to different clinical settings and can improve the quality of treatment decisions.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses often provide the majority of education and coaching for patients making decisions. As patients' demands for involvement in decision making increase, nurses need practical tools to help patients participate. The templates are practical tools that nurses can use to help patients make better decisions.
Sepucha
Karen R
KR
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. ksepucha@partners.org
Belkora
Jeffrey K
JK
Aviv
Caryn
C
Mutchnik
Stephanie
S
Esserman
Laura J
LJ
D000328:Adult; D019985:Benchmarking; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000379:methods*; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life