Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of a decision aid regarding treatment options for patients with early-stage localized prostate cancer. Methods: 50 patients with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer received the decision aid and were interviewed twice: before the decision-making consultation with the physicians and before treatment or, in case of watchful waiting, before the follow-up consultation. The physicians (radiation oncologists and urologists) were interviewed after the consultation. Results: The patients became more active partners in the decision-making process: They were better prepared for the consultation, asked more direct information, and were able to make a more deliberative choice. Generally, the use of the decision aid improved the quality of the consultation and resulted in a treatment decision agreed upon by both parties. Sometimes the consultation turned out to be more time-consuming. The decision aid did not only improve the patient-physician interaction but also helped patients to discuss the disease with their partner and family members. Conclusion: The use of the decision aid has a positive impact on the consultation and the decision-making process. The policy of involving patients more actively in the decision process should be further implemented in daily practice.

Keywords:
Decision aid, Localized prostate cancer, Treatment choice
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© 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
2008
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