Impact Of A Novel Decision Counseling Program On Treatment Knowledge, Decisional Conflict, And Choice In Men With Early-Stage, Low-Risk Prostate Cancer

9 Background: Active surveillance (AS - serial follow-up PSA, exam, and biopsy) is an option for men with early stage, low risk prostate cancer (LRPca). While data show comparable survival for AS vs active treatment (AT - surgery or radiation), currently most men with LRPca undergo AT. A pilot Decision Counseling Program (DCP) to assist men in making an informed, shared LRPca treatment decision was implemented.Men with LRPca seen at the Jefferson Genitourinary Multidisciplinary Cancer Center (JGUMDCC) were consented. A nurse educator (NE) reviewed risks/benefits of AS and AT; had the participant identify factors influencing treatment decision making and specify decision factor weights; entered data into an online DCP; and generated a report of participant treatment preference and decision factors. The report was used by the participant and clinicians in shared treatment decision making. A follow-up survey was administered 30 days after the visit, with treatment status assessed. Change in treatment-related knowledge and decisional conflict were measured using baseline and 30-day survey data.Baseline decision counseling preference of 16 participants: 4 - AS, 8 equal for AS and AT, 4 - AT. At 30 days, 12 participants initiated AS, 4 chose AT; participant mean treatment knowledge scores (8-point scale) increased (+1.13 points); decisional conflict subscale scores (strongly disagree = 1, strongly agree = 5) decreased (uncertain: -1.15, uninformed: -1.36, unclear: -1.12; and unsupported: -1.15).Decision counseling and shared decision making helped participants become better informed about treatment choices and reduced uncertainty in treatment decision making. The combined intervention resulted in most participants choosing AS. Ongoing study recruitment, data collection, and analyses are planned.