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The Effect of a Surgeon Communication Strategy on Treatment Preference for Thyroid Cancer: A Randomized Trial

Author

Listed:
  • Catherine B. Jensen

    (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
    University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
    National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA)

  • Brandy Sinco

    (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA)

  • Megan C. Saucke

    (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA)

  • Kyle J. Bushaw

    (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA)

  • Alexis G. Antunez

    (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
    Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA)

  • Corrine I. Voils

    (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
    William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA)

  • Susan C. Pitt

    (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA)

Abstract

Background Cancer diagnosis causes emotional distress, which can influence patients’ treatment choice. This study aimed to investigate the effect of increased emotionally supportive surgeon communication in a virtual setting on treatment preference for thyroid cancer. Design This randomized trial (NCT05132478), conducted from November 2021 to February 2023, enrolled adults with ≤4-cm thyroid nodules not requiring surgery. Participants were randomized 1:1 to watch a virtual clinic visit depicting a patient–surgeon treatment discussion for low-risk thyroid cancer. Control and intervention videos were identical except for added emotionally supportive communication in the intervention. The primary outcome was treatment preference for total thyroidectomy or lobectomy. Secondary outcomes were perceived physician empathy, physician trust, decisional confidence, and disease-specific knowledge. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed using conditional regression to account for stratification by sex. Qualitative content analysis evaluated participants’ open-ended responses about treatment choice and surgeon communication. Results Of 208 eligible patients, 118 (56.7%) participated. Participants were 85.6% female and 88.1% White. Overall, 89.0% ( n  = 105) of participants preferred lobectomy, which was similar between the intervention and control groups (90.0% v. 87.9%, respectively, P  = 0.72). Compared with control, participants who viewed the consultation with enhanced communication perceived higher levels of physician empathy (34.5 ± 5.8 v. 25.9 ± 9.1, P  

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine B. Jensen & Brandy Sinco & Megan C. Saucke & Kyle J. Bushaw & Alexis G. Antunez & Corrine I. Voils & Susan C. Pitt, 2025. "The Effect of a Surgeon Communication Strategy on Treatment Preference for Thyroid Cancer: A Randomized Trial," Medical Decision Making, , vol. 45(4), pages 426-436, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:medema:v:45:y:2025:i:4:p:426-436
    DOI: 10.1177/0272989X251325837
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