Exploring how patients and surgeons communicate about low-value surgical options

Understanding patient-surgeon interactions to support deimplementation of preference-sensitive low value care

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11067753

This study looks at how breast cancer patients and their surgeons talk about surgery options, especially those that might not be very helpful, to find ways to improve communication and help patients make better choices about their treatment.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11067753 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the interactions between breast cancer patients and surgeons to understand how decisions are made regarding certain surgical procedures that may not provide significant benefits. It focuses on procedures like sentinel lymph node biopsy for older women and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, which have been identified as low-value by medical guidelines. By analyzing conversations during surgical consultations, the study aims to identify factors that influence patient decisions and how surgeons can better support patients in making informed choices. The goal is to improve communication and potentially reduce the use of these low-value surgeries.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients, particularly women aged 70 and older, who are considering surgical options that may be deemed low-value.

Not a fit: Patients who are not considering surgery or those who do not have breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better patient-surgeon communication and reduce unnecessary surgical procedures, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in improving patient outcomes through enhanced communication strategies in surgical settings, indicating that this approach may also be effective.

Where this research is happening

MADISON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Patient

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.