Breast Cancer: Informed Decision Making Program

Informed Decision Making Program

The Breast Care Center at the Allegheny Cancer center recognizes that newly diagnosed breast cancer patients experience tremendous stress, which negatively impacts their ability to make rational and informed decisions regarding their treatment.

Physicians cannot be expected to guess what is important to their patients and informed Decision Making is becoming more important where choices are not clear cut. Programs have been developed by the Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making in Boston, Massachusetts and Health Dialog in Manchester, New Hampshire. These programs significantly alleviate this stress by offering patient an opportunity to participate actively in the decisions affecting their care.

It is widely recognized that a good decision is one which is informed, consistent with personal values. Patients participating in the Informed Decision Making process are given adequate information and support to be confident in the decision they make.

Patients diagnosed with DCIS or Early Stage Invasive Breast cancer are eligible to participate. Potential patients are contacted by the IDM staff and are offered videos, DVDs, and booklets that use the latest medical information to explain their diagnosis and treatment choices. Resource materials can be mailed to the patient in their own home or they are welcome to come to the IDM office located in the Cancer Center on the second floor.

 

Last Updated: June 27, 2008