Efficacy of Written Versus Video Patient Education Materials for Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction

Primary outcomes

1. Mean scores on the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), State Form

   Time frame: 1 day, during appointment immediately prior to meeting with surgeon

   STAI is a 20 items instrument for assessing trait anxiety and 20 for state anxiety for a total of 40 items. State anxiety items include: "I am tense; I am worried" and "I feel calm; I feel secure." Trait anxiety items include: "I worry too much over something that really doesn't matter" and "I am content; I am a steady person." All items are rated on a 4-point scale (e.g., from "1=Almost Never" to 4="Almost Always") with a maximum score range of 40-160 when all 40 items are administered. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety. Participants will complete STAI at baseline and during clinic visit with surgeon. Means, standard deviation, and group differences of the scores with confidence intervals will be reported.

2. Mean scores on the Preparation for Decision Making (PrepDM) Scale -

   Time frame: 1 day, during appointment immediately prior to meeting with surgeon

   The PrepDM is a validated 10-item tool that assesses a patient's perception of how well a decision aid or intervention, such as a decision aid, educational material, or clinical consultation, helps a patient feel prepared to make a health decision and discuss it with their practitioner. It evaluates a patient's perceived readiness across several aspects of decision-making, including understanding available options, recognizing benefits and risks, clarifying personal values, and feeling confident about communicating with healthcare providers. It uses a 5-point Likert scale (1=Not at all, 5=A great deal), with higher score reflecting greater perceived preparation for decision-making. Participants will complete PrepDM at baseline and during clinic visit with surgeon. Means, standard deviation, and group differences of the scores with confidence intervals will be reported.

3. Mean scores on Reconstruction-Specific Knowledge Quiz

   Time frame: 1 day, during appointment immediately prior to meeting with surgeon

   Reconstruction-specific knowledge quiz is a 7-item quiz. It is an author-developed instrument assessing knowledge of the reconstructive options covered in the educational materials, including implant-based reconstruction, autologous reconstruction, Goldilocks reconstruction, and the option of going flat. Participants will complete Reconstruction-Specific Knowledge Quiz at baseline and during clinic visit with surgeon. Means, standard deviation, and group differences of the scores with confidence intervals will be reported.