Feasibility of an Individualized Goals of Care Discussion Guide for Advanced Breast Cancer

The investigators will evaluate the primary hypothesis, that administration of the IGCDG in a breast oncology clinic is feasible, by evaluating the recruitment rate. Recruitment will be calculated as the number of patients who choose to participate divided by the number approached to enroll. A recruitment rate of greater than 50% will be deemed feasible. Each of the 3 distinct components of feasibility (recruitment rate, attrition rate, and change in distress) must be met for the administration of the Individualized Goals of Care Discussion Guide to be deemed feasible.

The investigators will evaluate the primary hypothesis, that administration of the IGCDG in a breast oncology clinic is feasible, by evaluating the attrition rate. Attrition will be calculated as the number of participants who to do not complete the follow-up survey divided by the number enrolled. An attrition rate of less than 32% will be deemed feasible. Each of the 3 distinct components of feasibility (recruitment rate, attrition rate, and change in distress) must be met for the administration of the Individualized Goals of Care Discussion Guide to be deemed feasible.

The investigators will evaluate the primary hypothesis, that administration of the IGCDG in a breast oncology clinic is feasible, by evaluating the change in distress as measured by the NCCN distress thermometer between baseline administration and the 8-week follow-up survey. Lack of detection of a significant increase between baseline and follow-up distress scores among the participants will be interpreted as supporting feasibility. A significant increase in distress will be defined as >50% of participants having an increase in distress ≥3 between baseline and follow-up. Each of the 3 distinct components of feasibility (recruitment rate, attrition rate, and change in distress) must be met for the administration of the Individualized Goals of Care Discussion Guide to be deemed feasible.

The IGCDG questionnaire reviews topics of concern for patients with metastatic breast cancer, such as goals of cancer treatment and priorities for discussions with the patient's clinician. This is a descriptive, study specific measure.

This is a six item validated scale designed to measure patient satisfaction with medical decision making. Participants rate their level of agreement on a 5-point scale with statements regarding medical decision-making. (1 = strongly agree; 5 = strongly disagree) . Lower scores indicate higher inclusion of the patient in decision-making.

This is a 16-item Likert scale with proven validity and reliability. Scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores suggesting increased difficulty and conflict over decision making.

This 2 question scale is used to measure a participant's desired and actual participation in decision-making. As in prior work, the investigators have collapsed responses into 3 choices: decisions are made mainly by the patient, decisions are made equally, and decisions are made mainly by the clinician. Analysis is based on comparison of the participants reported desired role in decision making and actual role, with greater concordance indicating decision making that is aligned with the participants preferences.

The Patient Satisfaction with Cancer Care measure is a validated 18 item tool with responses on a 5 point Likert scale designed specifically to assess satisfaction among patients from diverse socio-demographic backgrounds. The investigators have modified the scale to remove 3 questions that were not relevant for this study population. Total score for this scale is calculated by adding all component scores, with lower scores indicating higher satisfaction with care.