1
|
Nickel B, McCaffery K, Jansen J, Barratt A, Houssami N, Saunders C, Spillane A, Rutherford C, Stuart K, Robertson G, Dixon A, Hersch J. Women's views about current and future management of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): A mixed-methods study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288972. [PMID: 37478123 PMCID: PMC10361483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Management of low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is controversial, with clinical trials currently assessing the safety of active monitoring amidst concern about overtreatment. Little is known about general community views regarding DCIS and its management. We aimed to explore women's understanding and views about low-risk DCIS and current and potential future management options. This mixed-method study involved qualitative focus groups and brief quantitative questionnaires. Participants were screening-aged (50-74 years) women, with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and no personal history of breast cancer/DCIS, recruited from across metropolitan Sydney, Australia. Sessions incorporated an informative presentation interspersed with group discussions which were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Fifty-six women took part in six age-stratified focus groups. Prior awareness of DCIS was limited, however women developed reasonable understanding of DCIS and the relevant issues. Overall, women expressed substantial support for active monitoring being offered as a management approach for low-risk DCIS, and many were interested in participating in a hypothetical clinical trial. Although some women expressed concern that current management may sometimes represent overtreatment, there were mixed views about personally accepting monitoring. Women noted a number of important questions and considerations that would factor into their decision making. Our findings about women's perceptions of active monitoring for DCIS are timely while results of ongoing clinical trials of monitoring are awaited, and may inform clinicians and investigators designing future, similar trials. Exploration of offering well-informed patients the choice of non-surgical management of low-risk DCIS, even outside a clinical trial setting, may be warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Nickel
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jesse Jansen
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Barratt
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nehmat Houssami
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christobel Saunders
- Department of Surgery, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Spillane
- Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- Mater Hospital, Wollstonecraft, NSW, Australia
- Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Claudia Rutherford
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Nursing School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsty Stuart
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Ann Dixon
- Faculty of Science, Sydney Neuropsychology Clinic, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jolyn Hersch
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lacey HP, Lacey SC, Dayal P, Forest C, Blasi D. Context Matters: Emotional Sensitivity to Probabilities and the Bias for Action in Cancer Treatment Decisions. Med Decis Making 2023; 43:417-429. [PMID: 36951184 PMCID: PMC10595072 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x231161341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Past studies have shown a commission bias for cancer treatment, a tendency to choose active treatment even when watchful waiting is less risky. This bias suggests motivations for action beyond mortality statistics, but recent evidence suggests that individuals differ in their emotional sensitivity to probabilities (ESP), the tendency to calibrate emotional reactions to probability. The current study aims to examine the role of ESP in the commission bias, specifically whether those higher in ESP are more likely to choose watchful waiting when risk probabilities align with that choice. METHODS Participants (N = 1,055) read a scenario describing a hypothetical cancer diagnosis and chose between surgery and watchful waiting, with random assignment between versions where the mortality rate was either lower for surgery or for watchful waiting. We modeled choice using the Possibility Probability Questionnaire (PPQ), a measure of ESP, and several other individual differences in a logistic regression. RESULTS We observed a commission bias as in past studies with most participants choosing surgery both when surgery was optimal (71%) and when watchful waiting was optimal (58%). An ESP × Condition interaction indicated that the predictive role of ESP depended on condition. Those higher in ESP were more likely to choose surgery when probabilities favored surgery, β = 0.57, P < 0.001, but when probabilities favored watchful waiting, ESP had a near-zero relationship with choice, β = 0.05, P < 0.99. CONCLUSIONS The role of ESP in decision making is context specific. Higher levels of ESP predict choosing action when that action is warranted but do not predict a shift away from surgery when watchful waiting offers better chances of survival. ESP does not overcome the commission bias. HIGHLIGHTS Past studies have identified a "commission bias," a tendency to choose active treatment over watchful waiting, even when mortality rate is lower for waiting.Evaluation of risk probabilities is related to individual differences in emotional sensitivity to probabilities (ESP) and has been shown to predict reactions to and decisions about health risk situations.ESP appears to be selectively factored into decision making. ESP was a robust predictor of choosing surgery when probability information supported surgery but did not predict decisions when probability information supported watchful waiting.Those who are most emotionally attuned to probabilities are just as susceptible to the commission bias as those who are less attuned.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather P Lacey
- Department of Psychology, Center for Health and Behavioral Sciences, Bryant University, Smithfield, RI, USA
| | - Steven C Lacey
- Carroll School of Management, Boston University, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Prerna Dayal
- Department of Psychology, Center for Health and Behavioral Sciences, Bryant University, Smithfield, RI, USA
| | - Caroline Forest
- Department of Psychology, Center for Health and Behavioral Sciences, Bryant University, Smithfield, RI, USA
| | - Dana Blasi
- Department of Psychology, Center for Health and Behavioral Sciences, Bryant University, Smithfield, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Are actions better than inactions? Positivity, outcome, and intentionality biases in judgments of action and inaction. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jesp.2021.104105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
4
|
Burro R, Savardi U, Annunziata MA, De Paoli P, Bianchi I. The perceived severity of a disease and the impact of the vocabulary used to convey information: using Rasch scaling in a simulated oncological scenario. Patient Prefer Adherence 2018; 12:2553-2573. [PMID: 30573952 PMCID: PMC6292238 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s175957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare staff should be aware of the importance that patients may attach to the words that are used to convey information. This is relevant in terms of the patients' understanding. Modeling how people understand the information conveyed in a medical context may help health practitioners to better appreciate the patients' approach. PURPOSE 1) Analyze the participants' self-reported perception of the type of information provided in an oncological scenario in terms of three dimensions: impairment to their health, risks associated with the disease itself and commitment required to undergo the treatment; and 2) show the benefits of using Rasch scaling for the analysis of the data. Starting from a survey, Rasch scaling produces a unidimensional logit-interval scale relating to the extent to which each item conveys a latent dimension. These were related to structure, in particular concerning communication by means of opposite vs. unipolar language. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The participants rated 82 items of information in a questionnaire regarding their perception of impairment to their health (H) and the risks (R) and commitment relating to the treatment prescribed (T). RESULTS The scaling produced an item bank for healthcare staff to consult in order to estimate the importance the recipient would be likely to attach to the vocabulary used and the likely impact of the information in terms of the patient's condition. Furthermore, the use of opposites was generally associated with a clearer impression of whether the information given was generally only very negative or slightly negative, whereas 'neutral' information was often perceived as being very negative. ACTUAL FINDINGS Is possible to estimate people's understanding more precisely (in terms of H, R and T) which can help healthcare practitioners to modulate the way they convey information. LIMITATIONS The participants in the study were healthy volunteers and the context was simulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Burro
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy,
| | - Ugo Savardi
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy,
| | | | - Paolo De Paoli
- National Cancer Institute IRCCS "Centro di Riferimento Oncologico" (CRO), 33080 Aviano (PN), Italy
| | - Ivana Bianchi
- Department of Humanities (section Philosophy and Human Sciences), University of Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nickel B, Barratt A, Copp T, Moynihan R, McCaffery K. Words do matter: a systematic review on how different terminology for the same condition influences management preferences. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014129. [PMID: 28698318 PMCID: PMC5541578 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Changing terminology for low-risk, screen-detected conditions has now been recommended by several expert groups in order to prevent overdiagnosis and reduce the associated harms of overtreatment. However, the effect of terminology on patients' preferences for management is not well understood. This review aims to synthesise existing studies on terminology and its impact on management decision making. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS Studies were included that compared two or more terminologies to describe the same condition and measured the effect on treatment or management preferences and/or choices. Studies were identified via database searches from inception to April 2017, and from reference lists. Two authors evaluated the eligibility of studies with verification from the study team, extracted and crosschecked data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. RESULTS Of the 1399 titles identified, seven studies, all of which included hypothetical scenarios, met the inclusion criteria. Six studies were quantitative and one was qualitative. Six of the studies were of high quality. Studies covered a diverse range of conditions: ductal carcinoma in situ (3), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (1), conjunctivitis (1), polycystic ovary syndrome (1) and a bony fracture (1). The terminologies compared in each study varied based on the condition assessed. Based on a narrative synthesis of the data, when a more medicalised or precise term was used to describe the condition, it generally resulted in a shift in preference towards more invasive managements, and/or higher ratings of anxiety and perceived severity of the condition. CONCLUSIONS Different terminology given for the same condition influenced management preferences and psychological outcomes in a consistent pattern in these studies. Changing the terminology may be one strategy to reduce patient preferences for aggressive management responses to low-risk conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO: CRD42016035643.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Nickel
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra Barratt
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tessa Copp
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ray Moynihan
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Research in Evidence-Based Practice, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A Psychological Perspective on Factors Predicting Prophylactic Salpingo-Oophorectomy in a Sample of Italian Women from the General Population. Results from a Hypothetical Study in the Context of BRCA Mutations. J Genet Couns 2017; 26:1144-1152. [PMID: 28337671 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-017-0093-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess attitudes toward ovarian cancer risk management options for BRCA mutation carriers in healthy Italian women, and to identify predictors of the preference for risk reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) over surveillance. One hundred eighty-one women aged 30-45 completed a questionnaire about preferences, knowledge, risk perception, and socio-demographic information. Participants were randomly presented with a pamphlet about BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation-specific testing, consequences of testing and preventive options for carriers, and they were stratified by having children or not and by age group. Surveillance was the preferred option (64.6%), followed by RRSO (24.3%). Although RRSO is the only effective strategy available to BRCA carriers, most healthy women faced for the first time with this option may not consider it as their preferred choice. Predictors associated with a higher likelihood to prefer surgery over surveillance were: knowing that life expectancy is longer with surgery, perceived comprehension of the consequences of testing, previous knowledge about BRCA testing, anticipated worry about developing cancer, and feelings of risk. Childbearing intentions and the effect of childbearing intentions on choice were associated with a lower preference for surgery. Further research is needed to confirm the role of the factors identified in this study in order to promote informed decision-making about RRSO.
Collapse
|
7
|
López-Pérez B, Barnes A, Frosch DL, Hanoch Y. Predicting prostate cancer treatment choices: The role of numeracy, time discounting, and risk attitudes. J Health Psychol 2015; 22:788-797. [PMID: 26613709 DOI: 10.1177/1359105315615931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among males in the United States, and there is lack of consensus as to whether active surveillance or radical prostatectomy is the best course of treatment. In this study, we examined the role of numeracy, time discounting, and risk taking on decision-making about prostate cancer treatment-in 279 men over age 50 without a prior prostate cancer diagnosis. Results showed that active surveillance was the most chosen option and its preference was predicted by numeracy and time discounting. However, radical prostatectomy was significantly predicted by participants' propensity to take risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Barnes
- 2 Deparment of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
| | - Dominick L Frosch
- 3 School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles & Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
McCaffery K, Nickel B, Moynihan R, Hersch J, Teixeira-Pinto A, Irwig L, Barratt A. How different terminology for ductal carcinoma in situ impacts women's concern and treatment preferences: a randomised comparison within a national community survey. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e008094. [PMID: 26525720 PMCID: PMC4636630 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There have been calls to remove 'carcinoma' from terminology for in situ cancers such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment. We investigated the effect of describing DCIS as 'abnormal cells' versus 'pre-invasive breast cancer cells' on women's concern and treatment preferences. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Community sample of Australian women (n=269) who spoke English as their main language at home. DESIGN Randomised comparison within a community survey. Women considered a hypothetical scenario involving a diagnosis of DCIS described as either 'abnormal cells' (arm A) or 'pre-invasive breast cancer cells' (arm B). Within each arm, the initial description was followed by the alternative term and outcomes reassessed. RESULTS Women in both arms indicated high concern, but still indicated strong initial preferences for watchful waiting (64%). There were no differences in initial concern or preferences by trial arm. However, more women in arm A ('abnormal cells' first term) indicated they would feel more concerned if given the alternative term ('pre-invasive breast cancer cells') compared to women in arm B who received the terms in the opposite order (67% arm A vs 52% arm B would feel more concerned, p=0.001). More women in arm A also changed their preference towards treatment when the terminology was switched from 'abnormal cells' to 'pre-invasive breast cancer cells' compared to arm B. In arm A, 18% of women changed their preference to treatment while only 6% changed to watchful waiting (p=0.008). In contrast, there were no significant changes in treatment preference in arm B when the terminology was switched (9% vs 8% changed their stated preference). CONCLUSIONS In a hypothetical scenario, interest in watchful waiting for DCIS was high, and changing terminology impacted women's concern and treatment preferences. Removal of the cancer term from DCIS may assist in efforts towards reducing overtreatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten McCaffery
- Screening and Test Evaluation Program (STEP), Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making (CeMPED), The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brooke Nickel
- Screening and Test Evaluation Program (STEP), Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making (CeMPED), The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ray Moynihan
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jolyn Hersch
- Screening and Test Evaluation Program (STEP), Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making (CeMPED), The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Armando Teixeira-Pinto
- Screening and Test Evaluation Program (STEP), Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Les Irwig
- Screening and Test Evaluation Program (STEP), Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra Barratt
- Screening and Test Evaluation Program (STEP), Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making (CeMPED), The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Blumenthal-Barby JS, Krieger H. Cognitive biases and heuristics in medical decision making: a critical review using a systematic search strategy. Med Decis Making 2014; 35:539-57. [PMID: 25145577 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x14547740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of cognitive biases and heuristics in medical decision making is of growing interest. The purpose of this study was to determine whether studies on cognitive biases and heuristics in medical decision making are based on actual or hypothetical decisions and are conducted with populations that are representative of those who typically make the medical decision; to categorize the types of cognitive biases and heuristics found and whether they are found in patients or in medical personnel; and to critically review the studies based on standard methodological quality criteria. METHOD Data sources were original, peer-reviewed, empirical studies on cognitive biases and heuristics in medical decision making found in Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, and the CINAHL databases published in 1980-2013. Predefined exclusion criteria were used to identify 213 studies. During data extraction, information was collected on type of bias or heuristic studied, respondent population, decision type, study type (actual or hypothetical), study method, and study conclusion. RESULTS Of the 213 studies analyzed, 164 (77%) were based on hypothetical vignettes, and 175 (82%) were conducted with representative populations. Nineteen types of cognitive biases and heuristics were found. Only 34% of studies (n = 73) investigated medical personnel, and 68% (n = 145) confirmed the presence of a bias or heuristic. Each methodological quality criterion was satisfied by more than 50% of the studies, except for sample size and validated instruments/questions. Limitations are that existing terms were used to inform search terms, and study inclusion criteria focused strictly on decision making. CONCLUSIONS Most of the studies on biases and heuristics in medical decision making are based on hypothetical vignettes, raising concerns about applicability of these findings to actual decision making. Biases and heuristics have been underinvestigated in medical personnel compared with patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J S Blumenthal-Barby
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (JSBB)
| | - Heather Krieger
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX (HK)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Meertens RM, Van de Gaar VMJ, Spronken M, de Vries NK. Prevention praised, cure preferred: results of between-subjects experimental studies comparing (monetary) appreciation for preventive and curative interventions. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013; 13:136. [PMID: 24344779 PMCID: PMC3878324 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6947-13-136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ is a common saying, and indeed, most health economic studies conclude that people are more willing to pay for preventive measures than for treatment activities. This may be because most health economic studies ask respondents to compare preventive measures with treatment, and thus prompt respondents to consider other uses of resources. However, psychological theorizing suggests that, when methods do not challenge subjects to consider other uses of resources, curative treatment is favored over prevention. Could it be that while prevention is praised, cure is preferred? Methods In two experimental studies, we investigated, from a psychological perspective and using a between-subjects design, whether prevention or treatment is preferred and why. In both studies, participants first read a lung cancer prevention or treatment intervention scenario that varied on the prevention-treatment dimension, but that were the same on factors like 'costs per saved life’ and kind of disease. Then participants completed a survey measuring appreciation (general and monetary) as well as a number of potential mediating variables. Results Both studies clearly demonstrated that, when the design was between-subjects, participants had greater (general and monetary) appreciation for treatment interventions than for preventive interventions with perceived urgency of the intervention quite consistently mediating this effect. Differences in appreciation of treatment over preventive treatment were shown to be .59 (Study 1) and .45 (Study 2) on a 5-point scale. Furthermore, participants thought that health insurance should compensate more for the treatment than for preventive measures, differences of 16% (Study 1), and 22% (Study 2). When participants were asked to directly compare both interventions on the basis of a short description, they preferred the preventive intervention. Conclusion It appears that people claim to prefer prevention when they are asked to consider other use of resources, but otherwise they prefer treatment. This preference is related to perceived urgency. The preference for treatment may be related to the prevention-treatment dimension itself, but also to variations on other dimensions that are inherently linked to prevention and treatment (like different efficacy rates and costs per treatment).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ree M Meertens
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Maastricht University, P,O, Box 616, 6200, MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ozanne EM. Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment of Breast Cancer: How Can We Promote Informed Patient Choice? CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s12609-013-0128-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|