title: [Elderly prostate cancer patients: patient information and shared decision making].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Some data exist on information and decision-making preferences of elderly prostate cancer patients but little is known about whether communication needs are being met in urological practice. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to examine the information and shared decision-making experiences of prostate cancer patients over 75 years old.
  
  
  METHODS
  The HAROW (hormonal therapy, active surveillance, radiation, operation and watchful waiting) study is a prospective, observational study designed to collect clinical data and patient reported outcome of different treatment options for patients newly diagnosed with localized prostate cancer under real conditions. At 6-month intervals general clinical data, PROs (e.g. quality of life, quality of physician-patient interaction) and individual costs are documented. Data from 2,482 patients at 4 time points from T0 (initial diagnosis) to T3 (24 months follow-up) were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  T-tests and χ(2)-tests revealed no significant differences in terms of shared decision-making and information to different treatment options between patients aged over 75 years old and the rest of the sample. Regarding information on self-help groups, rehabilitation options and a second medical opinion, there were significant differences between prostate cancer patient age groups: patients aged over 75 years old received less information on these aspects at all points in time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients at all ages feel activated by urologists and are informed about different treatment options. However, there is room for improvement in terms of informing especially elderly prostate cancer patients about rehabilitation, second medical opinions and self-help groups. Special information tools and decision aids for prostate cancer patients aged over 75 years old should be developed and implemented to meet the specific information needs.
authors: Institut für Medizinsoziologie, Versorgungsforschung und Rehabilitationswissenschaft, Universität zu Köln (IMVR), Eupener Straße 129, 50933 Köln, Deutschland. nicole.ernstmann@uk-koeln.de
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Ernstmann
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Jaeger
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Kowalski
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Pfaff
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Weißbach
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D054526:Men's Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D015995:Prevalence; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome