Abstract
This study piloted and evaluated an interactive video disk system (IVD) using a shared decision-making programme (SDP) for women with early breast cancer. The study aimed to determine the acceptability of an interactive video disk system, in addition to the standard informational care and support provided by the clinicians and clinical nurse specialist, as a means of providing information about the risks and benefits of treatment choices. An experimental randomised study design was chosen, using as its main outcome measures the SF36, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, and a further questionnaire aimed at eliciting patients' satisfaction with their treatment choice. One hundred patients were recruited, and at nine months 94% of questionnaires were returned. The HAD scale overall summary scores, for both groups, indicated a significant fall in anxiety at nine months (p<0.001). The SF36 Questionnaire demonstrated nil of significant note. The IVD system was very highly evaluated. When patients were asked if they would recommend the IVD to someone they knew with a diagnosis of breast cancer, 92% said 'yes'. Overall there was a high degree of satisfaction in both groups. The study does support the significance of effective communication by the clinician and clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in breast care. The use of the IVD technology appears to be acceptable to and highly rated by the women.
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