Staff at the University of California San Francisco Breast Care Center, which includes eight medical oncologists, four surgeons, as well as other specialists, providers, and support staff, conducts more than 1,000 consultations annually, caring for more than 600 new patients each year. Staff in the Decision Services unit provides comprehensive decision support to patients in the Breast Care Center. Patients receive video decision aids prior to their first consultation with a surgeon or medical oncologist. In addition, premedical interns working for the Decision Services unit accompany patients during provider visits, and assist patients with creating a list of questions and concerns, take notes, and audio record the consultation. The services support informed decision-making by ensuring that patients are able to access and review critical information necessary for making a truly informed decision about their cancer treatment.
Dr. Esserman actively promotes informed decision-making.
Dr. Jeff Belkora has documented the benefits of decision support on women with breast cancer.
Lynn works with her surgeon, Dr. Foster, to find a treatment choice that's right for her.
Michelle, a premedical intern, is learning first-hand how to help patients navigate treatment decisions.
A cancer patient finds that decision aids bring important information together in a single location.
Dr. Hwang believes patients who use decision support services are better prepared to ask focused, specific questions.
Mary uses decision support to understand her risk of recurrence and make an informed treatment decision.
Medical oncologist Dr. Melisko tailors her consultation based on identified patient needs.
Decision support services are an integral part of treatment at the UCSF Breast Care Center.
The scheduling center identifies patients who might benefit from one of the breast cancer treatment decision aid videos
Michelle, a premedical intern, accompanies Mary to a consultation with Dr. Melisko and creates an audio recording and a written summary of the visit.