The Information and decision support needs of older women (>75 yrs) facing treatment choices for breast cancer: A qualitative study

Abstract

M (2014). The information and decision support needs of older women (>75 yrs) facing treatment choices for breast cancer : a qualitative study. 24 (8),[878][879][880][881][882][883][884]

Information needs and decision‐making preferences of older women offered a choice between surgery and primary endocrine therapy for early breast cancer

“…Booklets or leaflets were considered the most useful after the face to face consultations. These findings reflect our previous qualitative findings. In line with the findings from Husain and colleagues, it is feasible that the women were not only gaining information from the face to face discussions but also looking for any obvious or subtle clues as to what treatments they felt the doctor was “recommending.” The women were reluctant to access breast cancer–related information via technology, which is in contrast to younger women who increasingly seek information via the Internet. Previous studies in this age group have identified feeling too old, fear of technology, lack of skills, no interest in technology, and no access to the Internet as being potential reasons for this.…”

“…Questionnaire development was based on findings from a literature review, expert opinion within the research team, the input of a local patient group, and previous qualitative interviews. The questionnaire collected data on the information women “had” found helpful during their treatment DM, on information they “would ideally prefer,” its preferred format and source, and on the women's preferred and actual DM styles. There were a total of 57 questions split into 5 sections. Patient demographics (4 items). Information needs prior to treatment decision (30 items). The process of treatment DM, including the Control Preferences Scale (7 items). Optimal DM, including the Decision Regret Scale (10 items). Preferred format, media and presentation of information (9 items). …”

“…Oncologic outcomes with PET are acceptable, but rates of local control are inferior to surgery, and there may be a small reduction in breast cancer specific survival. This needs to be balanced against short‐term morbidity associated with surgery. Weighing such “trade‐offs” is complex, requiring adequate information about each option and its consequences.…”

“…This study (nested within a current NIHR study “Bridging the Age Gap”) aimed to identify the information needs and preferences among women age ≥75 offered a choice between PET and surgery at diagnosis for breast cancer. Previously reported qualitative findings were used to develop the content of a questionnaire and to illuminate its analysis. The main aim of the questionnaire was to further establish older women's preferences regarding receiving information about breast cancer treatment options (surgery or PET) and quantify issues raised in the interview study. A secondary aim was to quantify women's preferences regarding the presentation of information and establish their preferred DM styles.…”

Ergebnisse einer psychoonkologischen Gruppenintervention bei männlichen Krebspatienten ab 60 Jahren – eine randomisierte kontrollierte Studie

“…Aarts et al (2014) beschrieben bei älteren Krebspatienten unterschiedliche Copingstrategien im Vergleich zu Jüngeren: mehr Vermeidung, weniger aktives Coping und damit assoziiert ein hö-heres Depressionsrisiko. Unter Gender-Aspekten sind speziell zu Betreuungsbedürf-nissen älterer Frauen mit Brustkrebs einige Arbeiten erschienen (Burton et al 2015;Husain et al 2008), weniger zu denen älterer Männer.…”