Decisional Conflict Among Patients Newly Diagnosed With Clinical T1 Renal Masses: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Purpose: Because multiple management options exist for clinical T1 renal masses, patients may experience a state of uncertainty about the course of action to pursue (ie, decisional conflict). To better support patients, we examined patient, clinical, and decision-making factors associated with decisional conflict among patients newly diagnosed with clinical T1 renal masses suspicious for kidney cancer. Materials and Methods: From a prospective clinical trial, participants completed the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), scored 0 to 100 with < 25 associated with implementing decisions, at 2 time points during the initial decision-making period. The trial further characterized patient demographics, health status, tumor burden, and patient-centered communication, while a subcohort

Editorial Comment

“…This detailed study examined decision-making factors associated with decisional conflict among patients with clinical T1 renal masses. 1 Drawing from a hybrid clinical trial, GRADE-SRM, the authors prospectively assessed decisional conflictdusing the decisional conflict scale (DCS)damong 274 patients. Despite reporting overall low DCS scores, the authors note that half of patients with cT1 renal masses experience decisional conflict (ie, DCS score > 25) at some point.…”