Facilitating Shared Decisionmaking About Prostate Cancer Screening

Due to the disputed efficacy of prostate cancer (CaP) screening and treatment, most authorities recommend that providers inform and involve patients in CaP screening decisions.

Background: Due to the disputed efficacy of prostate cancer (CaP) screening and treatment, most authorities recommend that providers inform and involve patients in CaP screening decisions. Objectives: This study evaluated two interventions designed to facilitate this process. Methods: 1152 male veterans age 50+ with no CaP and primary care appointments at four VA medical facilities in VISN 23 were randomly assigned to one of three groups: mailed pamphlet intervention, mailed video intervention, or usual care (control). Intervention materials were mailed two weeks prior to a target primary care appointment and patient telephone surveys were conducted one week (T1) and one year (T2) after the target appointment. Outcomes included: a 10- item validated knowledge index; responses to questions on CaP natural history, treatment efficacy, PSA accuracy, and expert disagreement about the PSA; whether screening was discussed with provider; scores on decision information seeking, participation and satisfaction scales; screening and treatment preferences; and PSA testing rates. Status: Complete

Inclusion Criteria: Patients must be male veterans, age 50 and older, with a scheduled primary care appointment at one of 5 VISN 13 medical facilities. Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer will be excluded. Exclusion Criteria:

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