“We have recently been using a Shared Decision Making tool through Healthwise for all of our newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at Magee Womens Hospital. When a patient schedules an appointment, a link to the online decision tool is automatically generated through MyUPMC. The decision tool includes facts about breast cancer, options for treatment, feelings regarding the different surgical approaches and lastly information about one’s decision for their breast surgery choice. A quiz is also administrated to ensure understanding of the material. A summary of the answers to the quiz, along with the patient’s feelings regarding treatment options, is available for my review prior to our consultation. With this information, I am able to see what a patient understands about the treatment options and learn of their preferences. This knowledge has been extremely helpful to direct our conversation, while also respecting the wishes of those I am treating. It serves as a way for me to meet and learn about my patient even before we speak, which adds a sense of trust and understanding to our relationship, in my opinion."
Dr. Jennifer G. Steiman, MD, FACS
Assistant professor of surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology
