| Affiliation: | 1. College of Public Health at Kent State University, Lowry Hall, 750 Hilltop Dr., Kent, OH, 44242, USA;2. Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 OH-44, Rootstown, OH, 44272, USA;3. University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA;4. School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, 11000 Cedar Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA |
| Abstract: | ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of a team-based prognosis and treatment goal discussion for women living with advanced breast cancer.MethodsFemale patients diagnosed with advanced breast cancer (n?=?25) participated in a mixed methods study that evaluated the feasibility and effects of a planned and structured prognosis discussion. Audio analysis of the intervention appointments was conducted to assess intervention feasibility. Patient self-reports of prognosis related beliefs and treatment preferences were compared across intervention and usual care groups.ResultsMost patients found the T-PAT appointment challenging but worthwhile. Intervention uptake by clinicians was good, but some fidelity disruptions were noted. T-PAT participants were more likely to hold realistic beliefs about disease curability after the appointment.ConclusionProductive prognosis discussions can be delivered effectively by a practice-based clinical team within a semi-structured patient education appointment. It was perceived by patients with advanced breast cancer as both valuable and acceptable. T-PAT clinicians found the intervention easy to deliver.Practice implicationsRegular implementation of T-PAT may help clinicians’ build prognosis discussion communication skills. T-PAT documentation provides valuable information that can be used to tailor ongoing care. |
