Using an interactive video disk in breast cancer patient support

A randomised-controlled trial compared outcomes for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer who either received support and information from a multidisciplinary team or used a shared decision-making programme on an interactive video disk (IVD) system. Using the IVD did not have a significant effect on the decisions women made about treatment, yet it was evaluated positively by those who used it. The results suggest that the role of clinical staff is more significant than the form of information provided. Potential benefits for the IVD were apparent such as standardising the information received by patients, promoting evidence-based practice and providing a measure for quality assurance.