A study looking at a new way of improving clinic appointments for people with breast cancer and prostate cancer in Scotland

This study tested a new approach to helping people get the most out of their meeting with their cancer specialist. We know from research that people with cancer generally want to be informed about their illness, and involved in decisions about their care. People who feel involved are more likely to stick with their treatment plan, and show less distress.

There is a successful system in the USA which helps people with cancer discuss their concerns with their specialist. A trained helper called a ‘decision navigator’ helps people prepare for their appointment. Together you work out what you want to know, and what you would like the doctor to know about you. Researchers wanted to see if this approach would help people with breast cancer and prostate cancer in Scotland.

The aims of this study were to see if

• This approach encouraged people to ask the doctor questions that were important to them

• The patients using this system were more satisfied with their appointment than those seeing the doctor in the usual way

• This model worked well in Scotland