Kerry A Sherman1,2, Laura-Kate Shaw1, Lone Jørgensen3, Diana Harcourt4, Linda Cameron5,6, John Boyages7, Elisabeth Elder2, Judy Kirk8,9, Katherine Tucker10. 1. Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. 2. Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. 3. Clinic for Surgery and Oncology & Clinical Nursing Research Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. 4. Centre for Appearance Research, Faculty of Health & Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. 5. Psychological Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA, USA. 6. School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 7. Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. 8. Familial Cancer Service, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. 9. Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia. 10. Hereditary Cancer Clinic, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Women diagnosed with breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ and those with a genetic susceptibility to developing this disease face the challenging decision of whether or not to undergo breast reconstruction following mastectomy. As part of a large randomized controlled trial, this qualitative study examined women's experiences of using the Breast RECONstruction Decision Aid (BRECONDA) and health professionals' feedback regarding the impact of this resource on patients' knowledge and decision making about breast reconstruction. METHOD: Semistructured interviews were conducted with women who accessed the BRECONDA intervention (N = 36) and with their healthcare providers (N = 6). All interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis by 3 independent coders. RESULTS: Participants reported an overall positive impression, with all interviewees endorsing this decision aid as a useful resource for women considering reconstructive surgery. Thematic analysis of patient interviews revealed 4 themes: overall impressions and aesthetics; personal relevance and utility; introducing BRECONDA; and advantages and suggested improvements. Analysis of health professionals' interviews also revealed 4 themes: need for BRECONDA, impact of BRECONDA, potential difficulties that may arise in using the decision aid, and recommending BRECONDA to patients. Patients indicated that they derived benefit from this resource at all stages of their decision-making process, with the greatest perceived benefit being for those early in their breast reconstruction journey. CONCLUSION: These findings support the use of BRECONDA as an adjunct to clinical consultation and other information sources.
OBJECTIVE:Women diagnosed with breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ and those with a genetic susceptibility to developing this disease face the challenging decision of whether or not to undergo breast reconstruction following mastectomy. As part of a large randomized controlled trial, this qualitative study examined women's experiences of using the Breast RECONstruction Decision Aid (BRECONDA) and health professionals' feedback regarding the impact of this resource on patients' knowledge and decision making about breast reconstruction. METHOD: Semistructured interviews were conducted with women who accessed the BRECONDA intervention (N = 36) and with their healthcare providers (N = 6). All interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis by 3 independent coders. RESULTS:Participants reported an overall positive impression, with all interviewees endorsing this decision aid as a useful resource for women considering reconstructive surgery. Thematic analysis of patient interviews revealed 4 themes: overall impressions and aesthetics; personal relevance and utility; introducing BRECONDA; and advantages and suggested improvements. Analysis of health professionals' interviews also revealed 4 themes: need for BRECONDA, impact of BRECONDA, potential difficulties that may arise in using the decision aid, and recommending BRECONDA to patients. Patients indicated that they derived benefit from this resource at all stages of their decision-making process, with the greatest perceived benefit being for those early in their breast reconstruction journey. CONCLUSION: These findings support the use of BRECONDA as an adjunct to clinical consultation and other information sources.
Authors: Jacqueline A Ter Stege; Leonie A E Woerdeman; Daniela E E Hahn; Martine A van Huizum; Frederieke H van Duijnhoven; Jacobien M Kieffer; Valesca P Retèl; Kerry A Sherman; Arjen J Witkamp; Hester S A Oldenburg; Eveline M A Bleiker Journal: BMC Med Inform Decis Mak Date: 2019-08-19 Impact factor: 2.796
Authors: Jacqueline A Ter Stege; Daniela B Raphael; Hester S A Oldenburg; Martine A van Huizum; Frederieke H van Duijnhoven; Daniela E E Hahn; Regina The; Klemens Karssen; Eveline M L Corten; Irene S Krabbe-Timmerman; Menno Huikeshoven; Quinten P Q Ruhé; Nikola A N Kimmings; Wies Maarse; Kerry A Sherman; Arjen J Witkamp; Leonie A E Woerdeman; Eveline M A Bleiker Journal: Health Expect Date: 2021-10-28 Impact factor: 3.377