METHODS: Semistructured interviews with 10 patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer were conducted before and after a PEC pilot and at the 1- and 6-month follow-up visits. Information about participants\' cancer knowledge and anxiety were collected quantitatively. Documented pathologist communications and proper review of outside biopsy slides were collected. Semistructured interviews were also completed with participating urologic oncologists following the pilot.
RESULTS: Pathology explanation clinics improved participants\' understanding of their diagnosis, cognitively and emotionally supporting them first in their urologic oncology visit and later in making an informed treatment decision. Mean knowledge scores were high, and a minority of participants had prostate cancer anxiety. Urologic oncologists noted improved understanding and reduced anxiety among participants, enabling nuanced conversations about prognosis and management during the visit. By ensuring review of outside biopsy slides and communication of clinically significant or unexpected diagnoses, PECs supported high-quality care and patient safety.
CONCLUSIONS: In this small pilot, PECs positively affected patients with prostate cancer, their clinicians, and the overall care system. Additional studies in larger populations and diverse settings will be useful.
方法:在PEC试验前后以及1个月和6个月的随访中,对10例新诊断的前列腺癌患者进行了半结构化访谈。对参与者的癌症知识和焦虑信息进行定量收集。收集记录在案的病理学家通讯和对外部活检切片的适当审查。飞行员之后,参与的泌尿科肿瘤学家也完成了半结构化访谈。
结果:病理学解释诊所提高了参与者对诊断的理解,首先在泌尿外科肿瘤科就诊时给予他们认知和情感上的支持,然后在做出明智的治疗决定时给予他们支持。平均知识分数很高,少数参与者有前列腺癌焦虑。泌尿外科肿瘤学家注意到参与者的理解和焦虑减少。在访问期间进行有关预后和管理的细微差别的对话。通过确保检查外部活检切片和传达临床重大或意外诊断,PECs支持高质量的护理和患者安全。
结论:在这个小型飞行员中,PEC对前列腺癌患者有积极影响,他们的临床医生,和整个护理系统。在更大的人群和不同的环境中进行其他研究将是有用的。