Question Prompt List in Breast Cancer Patients Planned for Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Preoperative chemotherapy has been shown to be at least as effective as postoperative chemotherapy in breast cancer patients and has seen increased use over time. The decision regarding neoadjuvant treatment is complex, as various aspects need to be considered, and the patient's role in the decision-making process is central. The information provided by doctors to patients about preoperative treatment can be complicated, including details about treatment options, treatment plans, and side effects. If this…
Conditions studied
Breast Cancer Early Stage Breast Cancer (Stage 1-3), Neoadjuvant Therapy, Shared Decision Making
About this study
Preoperative chemotherapy has been shown to be at least as effective as postoperative chemotherapy in breast cancer patients and has seen increased use over time. The decision regarding neoadjuvant treatment is complex, as various aspects need to be considered, and the patient's role in the decision-making process is central. The information provided by doctors to patients about preoperative treatment can be complicated, including details about treatment options, treatment plans, and side effects. If this information is not conveyed adequately, there is a risk of misunderstandings, which can lead to increased anxiety and stress for patients regarding their decisions. In oncology, question prompt lists (QPL) have been used as a tool to support patients by improving the information conveyed by doctors in various contexts where complex decisions need to be made. Studies have shown that QPL can facilitate better information exchange. However, their use in discussions about preoperative treatment for breast cancer patients has not been studied. Furthermore, evidence from randomized studies on the use of QPL in clinical practice is very limited. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the use of QPL during patient consultations involving discussions about neoadjuvant chemotherapy can improve information exchange in various aspects: understanding of the treatment; anxiety about the decision; participation in the decision-making process; patient-doctor communication; and decision-related conflict.
Interventions
- Other: Question prompt list — The question prompt list includes 12 questions related to neoadjuvant therapy. It has been developed by an expert team including breast surgeons, oncologists, nurses, and psychologists and has been refined through focus interview with patient advocates and caregivers.
Primary outcomes
- Concordance rate between patient and oncologist (Within five days from patient visit)
Eligibility information
Study locations
- Akademiska Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Region Uppsala Sweden
- Västerås General Hospital, Västerås, Region Västmanland Sweden
- Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, 70185 Sweden
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.