Trial Information

Assessing the Efficacy of a CDSS for Breast Cancer

The purpose of this project is to develop and test a computer-based decision support system
on breast cancer for low-income women who speak English or Spanish. This project is
designed to respond to the under utilization of breast conserving surgery by women with
early stage breast cancer, as indicated by both national and local data on treatment
choices. The literature suggests that underuse of BCS by women for whom it is the
recommended therapy may relate to inadequacies in efforts to educate them about treatment
options. The program was designed to convey information to women with varying levels of
reading ability. This was done through multimedia approaches which include voice-over
narrative in simple English or Spanish, and use of photo novella and/or “soap opera”
presentation of situational material that allows women to explore possible consequences
associated with different decisions.

Comparison(s): Women exposed to the computer-based decision support program on breast
cancer treatment, receiving standard care and education offered at two public hospitals,
compared to women exposed to standard care and education at the same public hospitals.