Patient-Centered Communication Interventions for Breast Cancer
(SHARES Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to improve communication and decision-making for breast cancer treatment by testing two new methods. One method enhances a website called iCanDecide to help manage worry and anxiety about treatment. The other provides doctors with a dashboard showing patient concerns after using the website. The trial seeks women recently diagnosed with stage 0-III breast cancer who are planning surgery soon and can communicate in English or Spanish.
As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that may enhance patient-doctor communication and improve treatment experiences.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that these interventions are safe for breast cancer patients?
Research has shown that the iCanDecide website, in both its enhanced (iCanDecide-ESE) and standard (iCanDecide-S) versions, helps women with early-stage breast cancer make better treatment decisions. This interactive tool aims to improve patient communication and decision-making regarding treatment plans.
No reports have linked harmful effects or negative experiences directly to using this decision-making tool. The primary goal is to help patients manage feelings like worry and anxiety about their treatment choices.
This trial is labeled "Not Applicable" in terms of phases, as it focuses on behavior and decision support rather than testing a new drug or medical treatment. The website's purpose is to guide and inform patients, not to treat them directly, so safety concerns are minimal.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these communication interventions for breast cancer because they focus on empowering patients through personalized information and decision-making tools. Unlike traditional treatments that center around medical procedures and medications, these interventions use innovative websites, iCanDecide - ESE and iCanDecide - S, to enhance patient understanding and involvement in their care choices. By providing tailored information and support, these tools aim to improve patient-clinician communication and ultimately lead to more informed and satisfying healthcare decisions. This approach could significantly shift the focus from purely clinical outcomes to patient-centered care, making it a groundbreaking development in breast cancer treatment.
What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective for breast cancer treatment?
Research has shown that the iCanDecide tools help patients make better-informed choices about their breast cancer treatment. In this trial, participants will use either the improved iCanDecide (iCanDecide-ESE) or the standard version (iCanDecide-S). Studies indicate that patients using the interactive version of iCanDecide were more likely to make high-quality treatment decisions. The improved iCanDecide-ESE reduces worry, distress, and anxiety by offering emotional support. Both versions aim to enhance communication and decision-making for women newly diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Overall, these tools are designed to help patients feel more confident about their treatment choices.14678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sarah T. Hawley, PhD, MPH
Principal Investigator
University of Michigan School of Medicine and Public Health
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English or Spanish-speaking women aged 21-84 with stage 0-III breast cancer, planning surgery within 5 weeks of joining. Participating surgeons and their teams must consent to use a clinician dashboard. Practices treating over 100 new breast cancer patients annually can join. Excluded are those with impaired decision-making, visual impairment, or enrolled in Alliance A231701CD.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Patients utilize the iCanDecide website (either ESE or S version) and undergo surgery within 5 weeks of registration
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for patient knowledge, self-efficacy, and cancer worry at 4-5 weeks and 9 months post-randomization
Clinician Dashboard Training and Use
Clinicians receive training on the CDB and utilize it over a period of 60 weeks, with varying start times depending on practice randomization
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- iCanDecide - ESE website
- iCanDecide - S website
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator