School of Nursing, University of NC at Chapel Hill, USA.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a theory-based decision-making uncertainty management intervention (DMUMI) providing newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients with information, communication skills and personally designed prompts.

A randomized clinical trial was conducted using a 3x2 design with intervention and control groups including both Caucasian and African-American men. General linear mixed models were used to compare intervention groups over time.

Significant main effects for the treatment groups were found for uncertainty management (cancer knowledge, problem-solving, and patient-provider communication), medical communication competence, number and helpfulness of resources for information, and decisional regret.

The intervention was effective in uncertainty management for Caucasian and African-American men, specifically in preparing competent patients with improved knowledge, problem-solving skills, information resources, and communication skills. Using the Uncertainty in Illness Theory, specific skills were selected with a focus on the antecedents of uncertainty.

In the treatment decision-making context, patients and supportive others need information about disease, treatment options and side effects but they also need communication skills training prior to the treatment decision consultation.

Written by:
Mishel MH, Germino BB, Lin L, Pruthi RS, Wallen EM, Crandell J, Blyler D.   Are you the author?

Reference:
Patient Educ Couns. 2009 Oct 8. Epub ahead of print.
doi:10.1016/j.pec.2009.09.009

PubMed Abstract
PMID:19819096

UroToday.com Prostate Cancer Section

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