Study protocol for the OPTion randomised controlled trial on the effect of prioritising treatment goals among older patients with cancer in a palliative setting. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stegmann, M.E.; Schuling, J.; Hiltermann, T.J.N.; Reyners, A.K.L.; Burger, H.; Berger, M.Y.; Berendsen, A.J.
• Is Part Of: Maturitas. Volume 96(2017)
• Page Start: 84
• Page End: 88
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Neoplasms -- Palliative care -- Self-efficacy -- Older people -- Shared decision making -- Patient-provider communication; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Middle Aged -- Periodicals; Climatère -- Périodiques; Ménopause -- Périodiques; Climacterium; Climacteric; Menopause; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 612.66
• DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.11.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-5122

Abstract

Highlights: Traditionally, general practitioners (GPs) are not involved in cancer-related treatment decisions in a palliative setting. GPs often have a long relationship with patients offering a unique position to explore patients' values, especially with older patients. The OPTion study should provide new information about the effect on self-efficacy of a consultation between GPs and older patients with cancer. The OPT-conversation (Outcome Prioritisation Tool) specifically concerns preferred treatment goals of the patient. This study may facilitate greater involvement of GPs in oncology care, and may lead to a more active patient role in treatment decisions. Abstract: Purpose: Traditionally, general practitioners (GPs) are not involved in cancer-related treatment decisions, despite their often long relationship with patients, and their unique position to explore patients' values, especially with older patients. Therefore, we designed a randomised controlled trial to study the effect, on self-efficacy related to treatment decisions, of a conversation about treatment goals between GPs and patients with cancer in a palliative setting. Methods: We aim to include 168 patients aged ≥70 years with a diagnosis of non-curable cancer, due to consult their oncologist about treatment options. In the intervention group, patients will consult their GP using an Outcome Prioritisation Tool (OPT). The control group will receive care as usual. The primary outcome will be the score on a decision self-efficacy scale after the consultation with the oncologist. Secondary outcomes will be symptoms of depression, anxiety, or fatigue. In an embedded observational study of the intervention group, we aim to assess the prioritisation of treatment goals (i.e., OPT scores), and their determinants, over a six-month period. Conclusions: The OPTion study should provide relevant information about the effect on self-efficacy of a consultation between GPs and older patients with cancer, concerning preferred treatment goals in a palliative setting. Dutch Trial Register NTR5419