Effects of a decision support intervention on decisional conflict associated with microsatellite instability testing

Michael J. Hall, Sharon L. Manne, Gary Winkel, Daniel S. Chung, David S. Weinberg, Neal J. Meropol

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Decision support to facilitate informed consent is increasingly important for complicated medical tests. Here, we test a theoretical model of factors influencing decisional conflict in a study examining the effects of a decision support aid that was designed to assist patients at high risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (CRC) deciding whether to pursue the microsatellite instability (MSI) test. Methods: Participants were 239 CRC patients at high familial risk for a genetic mutation who completed surveys before and after exposure to the intervention. Half of the sample was assigned to the CD-ROM aid and half received a brief description of the test. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine associations among the intervention, knowledge, pros and cons to having MSI testing, self-efficacy, preparedness, and decisional conflict. Results: The goodness of fit for the model was acceptable [FIML, full information maximum likelihood, χ2 (df = 280) = 392.24; P = 0.00]. As expected, the paths to decisional conflict were significant for postintervention pros of MSI testing (t = -2.43; P < 0.05), cons of MSI testing (t = 2.78; P < 0.05), and preparedness (t = -7.27; P < 0.01). The intervention impacted decisional conflict by increasing knowledge about the MSI test and knowledge exerted its effects on decisional conflict by increasing preparedness to make a decision about the test and by increases in perceived benefits of having the test. Conclusion: Increasing knowledge, preparedness, and perceived benefits of undergoing the MSI test facilitate informed decision making for this test. Impact: Understanding mechanisms underlying health decisions is critical for improving decisional support. Individuals with Lynch syndrome have an elevated lifetime risk of CRC. Risk of Lynch syndrome may be assessed with a tumor-based screening test (MSI testing or immunohistochemical tissue staining).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)249-254
Number of pages6
JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention
Volume20
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2011

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