Prostate cancer care in Canada: Informed decision-making, patterns of care, and treatment trends.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 289-289
Author(s):  
Kim Tran ◽  
Rami Rahal ◽  
Carolyn Sandoval ◽  
Geoff Porter ◽  
Sharon Fung ◽  
...  

289 Background: Because treatment options for localized prostate cancer (PCa) have similar survival outcomes but varying side effects, it is important that patients are meaningfully involved in the decision-making process to ensure the chosen treatment aligns with their needs, wants and preferences. Here, we describe PCa patients’ experience with informed decision-making as well as treatment patterns and trends over time. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with 47 men treated for PCa across Canada to understand their cancer journey experience. Thematic analysis was conducted. A subset of this data on informed decision-making is described. Men (≥ 35 years) diagnosed with localized, low-risk PCa from 2011-2013 were identified using data from six provincial cancer registries. Treatment data were identified by linking hospital/cancer centre data with registry data. Descriptive statistics were generated to describe treatment patterns and trends. Results: Focus group participants expressed a desire to be involved in the treatment decision-making process. While many participants felt completely informed about the treatment choices available to them, others felt they had not been properly engaged in the treatment decision-making process. Some participants felt they had opted for surgery or radiation therapy (RT) without full knowledge of the trade-offs between potential benefits and side effects. Others felt they may have made different decisions about their care had they been more informed. From registry data, in 2013 surgery was the most common primary treatment for men with low-risk PCa ranging from 12.0% in New Brunswick to 41.7% in Nova Scotia. RT was the second most common ranging from 6.4% in New Brunswick to 18.3% in Saskatchewan. Varying majorities of men had no record of surgical or radiation treatment, a proxy for active surveillance. Treatment trends over time suggest an increase in the use of non-active treatment approaches from 60.7% in 2011 to 69.9% in 2013. Conclusions: System performance indicators yield useful information about oncology practice patterns and trends. This information is enhanced when combined with patient level information on how men felt about decision-making around their PCa care.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
JIAYU SHEN ◽  
Changping Gan ◽  
R.D.T. Rajaguru ◽  
Dou Yuan ◽  
ZHENGHUA XIAO

Abstract Introduction: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a common heritable connective tissue disease involving multiple organs. Even though the clinical manifestations of MFS can be various, aortic root aneurysm is estimated as one of the most serious complications. We herein describe an individualized treatment decision-making process for a 23-year-old male with MFS, suffering from a giant but stable aortic root aneurysm which is extremely rare at his age. Case: The patient, a 23-year-old male with a family history of MFS, presented to our cardiovascular department because of progressive exertional chest distress, fatigue and occasional precordial pain. Physical examinations revealed six-foot-three inches of height, high myopia, and a diastolic murmur at the aortic valve area. Laboratory examinations for systemic vasculitis and infectious diseases were negative. The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and enhanced thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan revealed the existence of a giant aortic root aneurysm (125.1 mm in short-axis), severe aortic valve regurgitation, cardiac dilatation (LV; 99 mm in diastolic diameter) and a poor ejection fraction (EF; 18%). Considering the risk of rupture or dissection of the dilated aortic root, we successfully performed the Bentall procedure based on the intraoperative exploration results. Postoperative thoracic CT scan revealed a normal sized reconstructed aortic root, and the patient was discharged uneventfully 7 days later. Conclusion It is extremely rare to report such a giant aortic root aneurysm in a young patient. In the treatment decision-making process, the patient’s specific situation should be taken into consideration. The composite replacement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta should be performed if the patient is not suitable for valve-sparing operation.


2020 ◽  
pp. 096973302094575
Author(s):  
Ni Gong ◽  
Qianqian Du ◽  
Hongyu Lou ◽  
Yiheng Zhang ◽  
Hengying Fang ◽  
...  

Background: Independent decision-making is one of the basic rights of patients. However, in clinical practice, most older cancer patients’ treatment decisions are made by family members. Objective: This study attempted to analyze the treatment decision-making process and formation mechanism for older cancer patients within the special cultural context of Chinese medical practice. Method: A qualitative study was conducted. With the sample saturation principle, data collected by in-depth interviews with 17 family members and 12 patients were subjected to thematic analysis. Ethical considerations: The study was approved by the ethics committees of Sun Yat-sen University. All participants provided verbal informed consent after being told their rights of confidentiality, anonymity, and voluntary participation. They had the right to refuse to answer questions and could withdraw at any time. Results: Three themes emerged: (1) complex process; (2) transformation of family decision-making power; and (3) individual compromise. Family members inevitably had different opinions during the long process of treatment decision-making for older cancer patients. The direction of this process could be regarded as an extension of the family power relationship. The patient usually compromised the decision to survive, which was made by family members. Conclusion: This study describes the treatment decision-making process of older cancer patients in the context of Chinese culture. The reasons underlying this process are related to the views on life and death and family values. An individual is a part of the family, which is often seen as the minimal interpersonal unit in Chinese society. It is significant that while emphasizing patient autonomy in the decision-making process, health professionals should also pay attention to the important roles of culture and family.


Psychotherapy ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jake Park ◽  
Jonathan Goode ◽  
Kelley A. Tompkins ◽  
Joshua K. Swift

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel H. Kwon ◽  
Sneha Karthikeyan ◽  
Alison Chang ◽  
Hala T. Borno ◽  
Vadim S. Koshkin ◽  
...  

PURPOSE Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer increasingly encounter complex treatment decisions. Consultation audio recordings and summaries promote patient informed decision making but are underutilized. Mobile recording software applications may increase access. Little is known regarding the feasibility of implementation in clinical encounters. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods pilot study in men with progressive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. We instructed patients to use a mobile software application to record an oncology visit. Patients could share the recording with our patient scribing program to receive a written summary. We assessed feasibility and acceptability with postvisit surveys. We measured patient-reported helpfulness of the intervention in decision making and change in Decisional Conflict Scale–informed subscale. We conducted semistructured interviews to explore implementation and analyzed transcripts using thematic analysis. RESULTS Across 20 patients, 18 (90%) recorded their visits. Thirteen of 18 (72%) listened to the recording, and 14 of 18 (78%) received a summary. Eighteen of 20 (90%) visits were telehealth. Fourteen patients (70% of all 20; 78% of 18 question respondents) found the application easy to use. Nine patients (50% of 18 recording patients; 90% of 10 question respondents) reported that the recording helped treatment decision making. Decisional conflict decreased from baseline to 1-week postvisit (47.4-28.5, P < .001). Interviews revealed benefits, facilitators, contextual factors, and technology and patient-related barriers to recordings and summaries. CONCLUSION In this single-institution academic setting, a mobile application for patients to record consultations was a feasible, acceptable, and potentially valued intervention that improved decision making in the telehealth setting. Studies in larger, diverse populations are needed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Sindi Paratika

Dupak primary health care is one of health care which have complete HIV and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrom (AIDS) prevention program. The number of HIV-AIDS sufferers increasing every year, but the number of new HIV positive cases taking Anti Retroviral Virus(ARV) treatment at Dupak primary health care are low. The purpose of this research was analyzed the HIV treatment decision making process of patients at Dupak primary health care. The method in this research was descriptive quantitive research through questionnaires. Variables of this study are individual characteristics include age, level of education, knowledges, status of severity with decision making process of treatment. The results of this study indicate that most respondents (50%) have a high knowledge of HIV treatment. Decision-making process of HIV positive patient treatment have 2 stages that most respondents didn’t do. There are stage of the information search (75%) and stage of alternative evaluation (56.25%). The conclusion of this research are most respondents didn’t do information searching and alternative evaluation in decision making process at Dupak primary health care. According suggested from this study are to improve HIV related socialization programs through promotional activities and discussions related to HIV treatment services to improve knowledge and activeness of seeking information through print and electronic media.


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