The Effect of Decision Aid on Satisfaction With Decision and Anxiety Among Women With Abnormal Cervical Screening Results

Abstract

Background Most women in the face of stressful situations such as risk of a cancer diagnosis (abnormal Papanicolaou smear results) need guidance to choose the appropriate method to follow the diagnosis process, but few studies have identified appropriate interventions to support these women. Objective To determine the effect of decision aid on anxiety and satisfaction with decisions (SWD) regarding the type of follow-up method after receiving an abnormal Papanicolaou smear result. Methods This interventional study was conducted on women referred to the oncology clinic in Tabriz, Iran. Women were assigned to the intervention (n = 27) and control groups (n = 27) in a ratio of 1:1 using blocked randomization. The intervention group received a decision aid booklet. Participants in both groups completed questionnaires assessing demographic and obstetric characteristics, anxiety, SWD, and shared decision-making before and after the intervention. Results The mean score for SWD in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group after the intervention (median, 6.43 with 95% confidence interval of 3.11–7.76; P = .03). There was no significant difference between groups in the mean score of anxiety after intervention (median, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, −0.5 to 2.70; P = .19). Conclusion A decision aid can increase SWD among women with abnormal results in their cervical cancer screening. Implications for Practice It is recommended that healthcare providers use decision aid tools to support and guide patients.