15250-m-cuypers

110 Chapter 6 ABSTRACT Purpose – To compare patients’evaluation of the treatment decision-making process in localized prostate cancer between counseling that included an online decision aid (DA) and standard counseling. Methods – Eighteen Dutch hospitals were randomized to DA counseling (n=235) or the control group with standard counseling (n=101) in a pragmatic, cluster randomized controlled trial. The DA was provided to patients at, or soon after diagnosis. Decisional conflict, involvement, knowledge and satisfaction with information were assessed with a questionnaire after treatment decision-making. Anxiety and depression served as covariates. Results – The levels of decision involvement and conflict were comparable between patients in both groups. Patients with a DA felt more knowledgeable but scored equally well on a knowledge test as patients without a DA. Small significant negative effects were found on satisfaction with information and preparation for decision-making. A preference for print over online and depression and anxiety symptoms were negatively associated with satisfaction and conflict scores in the DA group. Discussion – The DA aimed to support shared decision making, while outcomes for a majority of DA users was comparable to patients who received standard counseling. Patients who are less comfortable with the online DA format or experience anxiety or depression symptoms, could require more guidance toward shared decision making. To evaluate long-term DA effects, follow-up evaluation on treatment satisfaction and decisional regret will be done.