Priority Assessment for Women with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: a Pilot Study

Objectives: There is no one best treatment option for women with recurrent ovarian cancer and the treatment plan is usually determined via shared decision-making. The primary objective of this study was to prospectively assess the feasibility of implementing a patient-centered Priorities Assessment Tool (PAT) in gynecologic-oncology clinics. Methods: Inclusion criteria included diagnoses of recurrent ovarian cancer and English language proficiency. Exclusion criteria included cognitive impairment and non-engagement in treatment decision-making. Clinic schedules were reviewed in advance and eligible patients were contacted prior to their gynecologic-oncology appointment about the study. The study team approached interested subjects immediately prior to their visit to complete demographic information, the FACT FOSI-18 and the PAT instrument. Following the visit, patients and providers completed PAT evaluation forms. Feasibility was defined as the proportion of patients who completed all 3 study forms prior to meeting with their physician. A secondary objective was the identification of factors from the demographic form and FACT FOSI-18 associated with priority assessments from the PAT. Institutional review board (IRB) approval was obtained. Results: Conclusions: Implementation of the PAT was feasible with 97% of enrolled patients completing all study forms prior to their appointment. The PAT allowed participants to share their treatment-related priorities and highlights that the majority of women with ovarian cancer want to engage in shared-decision making with their providers, especially those with diminished quality of life. This finding demonstrates the increasing importance of patient-physician communication over the cancer continuum. There is no one best treatment option for women with recurrent ovarian cancer and the treatment plan is usually determined via shared decision-making. The primary objective of this study was to prospectively assess the feasibility of implementing a patient-centered Priorities Assessment Tool (PAT) in gynecologic-oncology clinics. Inclusion criteria included diagnoses of recurrent ovarian cancer and English language proficiency. Exclusion criteria included cognitive impairment and non-engagement in treatment decision-making. Clinic schedules were reviewed in advance and eligible patients were contacted prior to their gynecologic-oncology appointment about the study. The study team approached interested subjects immediately prior to their visit to complete demographic information, the FACT FOSI-18 and the PAT instrument. Following the visit, patients and providers completed PAT evaluation forms. Feasibility was defined as the proportion of patients who completed all 3 study forms prior to meeting with their physician. A secondary objective was the identification of factors from the demographic form and FACT FOSI-18 associated with priority assessments from the PAT. Institutional review board (IRB) approval was obtained. Implementation of the PAT was feasible with 97% of enrolled patients completing all study forms prior to their appointment. The PAT allowed participants to share their treatment-related priorities and highlights that the majority of women with ovarian cancer want to engage in shared-decision making with their providers, especially those with diminished quality of life. This finding demonstrates the increasing importance of patient-physician communication over the cancer continuum.