The impact of a patient decision aid for patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma – a multicenter study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Patients with advanced larynx cancer face challenging treatment decisions. To address this, we developed and tested a patient decision aid (PDA), aiming to reduce decisional conflict (DC), and enhance knowledge and perceived shared decision-making (SDM). Methods In this multicenter study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03292341, 2016–2023), a pre/post study design was used. Participants, meeting the inclusion criteria of advanced larynx cancer without distant metastasis, completed questionnaires on knowledge, DC and SDM immediately after counseling (T1) and 6 months post-treatment (T2). The intervention arm utilized the PDA (see https://beslissamen.nl/pda_launch.html?pda=tools/pda_larynx_en/story.html ) before completing T1 questionnaires, while the usual care arm followed standard procedures. Between-group differences in outcomes were estimated using regression models with correction for case mix differences. Results Total DC score was significantly lower in the intervention arm (n = 46) compared to the usual care arm (n = 45) (adjusted mean difference − 32, 95% CI: -37.4; -26.1, p 25), compared to 89% (41/46) in the intervention arm (adjusted OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.01; 1.9) p = 0.238). Perceived SDM was significant higher in the intervention arm (mean 78.16) compared to the usual care arm (mean 70.32); however, both groups exhibited high levels. Conclusion The PDA for advanced laryngeal cancer effectively reduced decisional conflict, enhanced patients’ knowledge and improved perceived SDM. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03292341, 20,151,231. Level of evidence 3.

Keywords

• Patient decision aid
• Larynx cancer
• Counseling
• Shared decision-making
• Laryngectomy