A randomized trial of computer and pamphlet-based versions of the Decision Board (DB)

6508 Background: Many women with breast cancer want to be involved in treatment decision making. The DB is a visual aid poster board which sequentially presents written and graphical information from clinical trials regarding treatment options for early breast cancer. The physician presents the DB to the patient during the consultation. Randomized trials have demonstrated that the standard version of the DB improves patient comprehension, satisfaction and comfort with decision making. The standard DB is cumbersome to use and hard to update. Computer based instruments are attractive as they provide more flexibility in presenting information, and can be easily updated and accessed via the Internet. On the other hand pamphlet based versions may be easier to use. We developed computer versions of the DB for breast cancer surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy options using a Windows type format. Pamphlet versions were also developed. The objective of this study was to compare the computer and pamphlet versions of the DB to the proven standard version. Methods: 309 women were randomized to the physician consultation plus the standard (105), computer (103) or pamphlet (101) versions of the DB. Patients were stratified according to type of decision: surgical treatment or adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated following the consultation for their knowledge about the breast cancer treatments offered, decisional conflict, and satisfaction with preparation for decision making using established validated instruments. Usefulness of the instrument for the patient and physician was also assessed. Results: Study outcomes were similar between the three versions of the DB ( Table ). Usefulness of the instrument for the patient and physician was also similar for the different versions. Conclusions: The different versions of the DB appeared equally effective in facilitating shared decision making. Physicians and patients now have the option of choosing which instrument best suits their needs. Such versatility may encourage wider use of the DB. No significant financial relationships to disclose. [Table: see text]