COMputerized PAtient-centered Collaborative Technology (COMPACT) to Support Personalized Decision Making in Breast Cancer

PROJECT SUMMARY The proposed research addresses an urgent need to support personalized breast cancer treatment decision making based on the unique needs, values, and preferences of each patient. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with approximately 280,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Breast cancer

treatment decisions are complex as there are often several clinically viable treatment options available, each with differing risks, benefits, and implications on the patient’s life. It is important to involve patients in this preference-sensitive decision, yet, approximately 50% of breast cancer patients do not make informed

decisions regarding treatment, and patients report only knowing half of the information relevant to the decision. Poor understanding or insufficient participation in the treatment decision making process can lead to poor patient outcomes, reduced patient satisfaction, and higher healthcare costs. We propose that a COMputerized

PAtient-centered Collaborative Technology (COMPACT), designed with Human Factors Engineering (HFE) approaches, can improve personalized breast cancer decision making and patient outcomes. During this 4- year project, we will design and test the COMPACT system using human centered design (HCD). This research will support the PIs transition to research independence and propel her towards achieving

her long-term goal of becoming a leader in the field of HFE design and implementation of augmented intelligence technologies to support teamwork in cancer care. The research will take place in the strong institutional environment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Building on her expertise in HFE design of

health information technology (HIT), she will develop essential knowledge and skills in (1) breast cancer care, (2) design of patient HIT, and (3) implementation science. The PI will grow these skills with the following Aims: Research Aim 1 is a thorough HFE work system analysis to understand the sociotechnical work system

in which breast cancer care occurs. Interviews with and observations of patients, their family caregivers, and clinicians will generate detailed care process maps and patient journey maps to support the design of COMPACT. The PI will gain knowledge on cancer care processes and the needs of breast cancer patients.

Research Aim 2 is the HCD of COMPACT. Using Aim 1 findings, we will conduct a series of collaborative design sessions with patients, their caregivers, and clinicians to develop the COMPACT user interfaces. Formative usability testing and a heuristic evaluation will identify design improvements to the prototypes. The

PI will develop skills in patient-facing HIT and implementation science. Research Aim 3 is the evaluation of COMPACT in a scenario-based simulation. Scenario-based simulations with potential breast cancer patients and clinicians (individually and in groups) using COMPACT under realistic conditions will evaluate COMPACT’s potential usefulness, usability, and acceptance.

Future work will study COMPACT in a randomized controlled trial to understand its impact on patient care.