Surgery decision conflict and its related factors among newly diagnosed early breast cancer patients in China: A cross-sectional study.
Han Tang, Shang Wang, Shiqi Dong and 6 others
PMID 33630425WHAT IT FOUND
Newly diagnosed early breast cancer patients in China reported high uncertainty about surgery choices.
Patients with lower ability to communicate, gather information, manage emotions, and decide autonomously were more conflicted, especially if unmarried, less educated, or stage II.
Key findings
01Newly diagnosed early breast cancer patients had a mean surgery decision conflict score of 45.68 on a 0 to 100 scale, above the paper's 37.5 threshold for delayed or uncertain decisions.
02Higher patient participation competence was associated with lower surgery decision conflict.
03In the regression model, higher participation competence, being married, and higher education were associated with lower decision conflict, while stage II was associated with higher decision conflict.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
This was a single-centre convenience sample from one hospital in Henan, China, so the patients may not represent other regions or settings. The study was cross-sectional, so it cannot show that participation competence reduces decision conflict or that demographic factors cause conflict. All data were self-reported questionnaires completed by patients facing surgery, with no objective assessment of decision-making or clinical outcomes. The sample included only patients eligible for both lumpectomy and mastectomy and newly diagnosed with stage I or II disease, so it may not apply to more advanced cancer or urgent treatment decisions. Patients with cognitive impairment, mental illness, severe complications, or family members who did not want them to participate were excluded, which may select a more stable or family-supported group.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The supplied text does not report a funding source.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that improving participation competence or providing decision support will reduce surgery decision conflict. This was a cross-sectional survey of patients already facing a decision, so it describes associations at one time point and did not test an intervention.