Objectives: The goal of the proposed research is to understand the lived experiences of breast cancer patients surrounding the shared decision-making (SDM) process and to investigate areas for health literacy intervention improvements to support the decision-making practices of this patient population. Evidence suggests that cancer patients actively taking part in decision-making might have a positive impact on their quality of life and overall outcomes. Models of SDM have been tested in various healthcare settings and in different diagnoses, with favorable results reported when patients’ personal values and preferences are taken into consideration during the decision-making process.
Methods: A qualitative phenomenological research design consisting of semi-structured interviews with breast cancer patients will take place. A purposive sample of participants will be recruited through flyers and posters placed throughout the Weill Cornell Medicine Meyer Cancer Center (WCM-MCC) Breast Center. After consented, participants will be scheduled for their in-depth interviews with the researchers, which will be recorded. Recordings will be transcribed by a consultant after the interviews and significant statements will then be extracted by the researcher. The meaning of these statements will be determined based on re-reviewing of the transcripts and re-listening to the recordings. Following this re-evaluation to determine meaning of significant statements, clustering of the meanings will take place and be organized into common themes which will make up the essence of the lived experience described by participants.
Results: Anticipated results include a definition of SDM based on the qualitative analysis of interviews with breast cancer patients. Along with a definition of SDM among this patient population, results will include thematic presentation of the main concerns and experiences with SDM from the perspective of these patients. Results will also provide a deeper understanding of the health literacy knowledge and needs of breast cancer patients as they embark on making critical treatment decisions.
Conclusions: The results of this research will inform potential health literacy interventions for breast cancer patients who need to make a decision about their treatment or overall care plan. It is also the intention of the researcher to promote employing a phenomenological approach to understanding the information and decision-making needs of diverse patient populations and in various healthcare settings. Results of this research will add to the growing body of literature on supporting healthcare consumer decision-making through information and health literacy education services.