Breast cancer specialists’ views on and use of risk prediction models in clinical practice: A mixed methods approach

Authors

  • Ellen G. Engelhardt Department of Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
  • Arwen H. Pieterse Department of Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
  • Nanny van Duijn-Bakker Department of Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
  • Judith R. Kroep Department of Clinical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
  • Hanneke C. J. M. de Haes Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • Ellen M. A. Smets Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • Anne M. Stiggelbout Department of Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3109/0284186X.2014.964810

Abstract

Purpose. Risk prediction models (RPM) in breast cancer quantify survival benefit from adjuvant systemic treatment. These models [e.g. Adjuvant! Online (AO)] are increasingly used during consultations, despite their not being designed for such use. As still little is known about oncologists’ views on and use of RPM to communicate prognosis to patients, we investigated if, why, and how they use RPM.

Methods. We disseminated an online questionnaire that was based on the literature and individual and group interviews with oncologists.

Results. Fifty-one oncologists (partially) completed the questionnaire. AO is the best known (95%) and most frequently used RPM (96%). It is used to help oncologists decide whether or not to recommend chemotherapy (> 85%), to inform (86%) and help patients decide about treatment (> 80%), or to persuade them to follow the proposed course of treatment (74%). Most oncologists (74%) believe that using AO helps patients understand their prognosis.

Conclusion. RPM have found a place in daily practice, especially AO. Oncologists think that using AO helps patients understand their prognosis, yet studies suggest that this is not always the case. Our findings highlight the importance of exploring whether patients understand the information that RPM provide.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Additional Files

Published

2015-03-16

How to Cite

Engelhardt, E. G., Pieterse, A. H., van Duijn-Bakker, N., Kroep, J. R., de Haes, H. C. J. M., Smets, E. M. A., & Stiggelbout, A. M. (2015). Breast cancer specialists’ views on and use of risk prediction models in clinical practice: A mixed methods approach. Acta Oncologica, 54(3), 361–367. https://doi.org/10.3109/0284186X.2014.964810

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 3 (2015): Acta Oncologica

Section

Articles