Physicians and Patients Perspectives about a Patient Decision Aid Tool for Breast-Conserving Surgery in the Cancer Institute of Iran

Background: We aimed to explore opinions of breast cancer patients and clinicians in Iran about a patient decision aid (PDA) for breast-conserving surgery. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study and evaluated the opinions of breast cancer patients and clinicians about a PDA for breast-conserving surgery in the Cancer Institute of Iran. We applied Barun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach for data analysis. We categorized the results into three themes including “perceived advantages”, “perceived disadvantages”, and “suggested strategy” and seven subthemes. Results: Both patients and clinicians believed that PDA was useful for improvement of breast cancer conserving surgery and quality of care among Iranian patients. In contrast to the clinicians, the patients were interested in knowing more about surgery techniques. Both groups believed that considering the cultural issues in the adaptation process is essential and families (i.e. husband) should be involved in the decision-making process in Iran. Conclusion: PDA is a useful tool for implementation of breast cancer conserving surgery in Iran and other low and middle-income countries. However, it should be adapted based on the context and cultural issues in each country. We recommend implementing PADs in the routine practice for increasing breast-conserving surgery in Iran. However, further research is needed to reach an optimal PDA for Iranian patients.