Study of Patient and Physician Treatment Preferences and Quality of Life Tradeoffs in Operable Rectal Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how patients with operable rectal cancer and physicians make decisions about treatment options, focusing on their treatment preferences and socioeconomic and demographic backgrounds. The study also explores the balance between treatment benefits and quality of life. This observational study involves 192 participants, including 178 patients and 14 healthcare professionals, to better understand the thought processes behind treatment choices. Participants will complete two electronic questionnaires. The first gathers socio-demographic data, clinical information, and current knowledge about treatments. After this, all participants receive an informational brochure describing common treatment options, such as standard care, non-operative management, and surgery, including details about treatment length, potential side effects, and cancer outcomes. The second questionnaire assesses participants treatment preferences and the tradeoffs they consider between benefits and quality of life. Participants are approached at clinical visits or through the research team and provide electronic consent before participation. All study materials, including consent forms, brochures, and questionnaires, are delivered electronically. The primary outcome measures include socio-economic and demographic characteristics, while secondary measures focus on the level of tradeoff participants make between treatment benefits and quality of life. The study is expected to conclude by January 2028.

Tradeoffs in Patient Decision Making About Rectal Cancer Treatment: Benefits Compared to Quality Of Life.