title: Development and evaluation of a decision aid for patients considering first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Treatment decisions in advanced breast cancer are complex, with enhanced quality of life and survival among important treatment goals. Patients with metastatic breast cancer face the decision of whether or not to have chemotherapy, and many wish to be involved in this decision. We report the development and evaluation of a decision aid (DA) designed to assist patients facing this treatment decision.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women with metastatic breast cancer (n = 17)and medical oncologists in Australia and Canada (n = 7) were invited to evaluate the DA.
  
  
  METHODS
  A DA was developed for patients with hormone resistant metastatic breast cancer considering chemotherapy. The DA presented options of supportive care, with or without chemotherapy. Potential benefits and side effects of different chemotherapy regimens, and evidence-based prognostic estimates were described,and a values clarification exercise included.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patient questionnaires evaluating information and decision involvement preferences, attitudes toward the DA and oncologist feedback regarding attitudes toward the DA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventeen patients participated; fifteen desired as much information about their illness as possible; sixteen wished to be actively involved in the decision-making process. The majority rated the DA as highly acceptable, clear and informative, and would recommend it to others facing this treatment decision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first DA for patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer considering chemotherapy. A randomized trial is underway to evaluate its role in clinical decision-making.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Hospital/University Health Network, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Kimberly S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Chiew
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shepherd
authors.forename: Janette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vardy
authors.forename: Martin H N
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Tattersall
authors.forename: Phyllis N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Butow
authors.forename: Natasha B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Leighl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001315:Australia; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D002170:Canada; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010358:Patient Participation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents