Decisional Control Preferences in Managing Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas.

Objectives: To evaluate patient preferences for decision-making role in the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas and to identify individual characteristics associated with those preferences.

Background: Management of IPMNs is rooted in uncertainty with current guidelines failing to incorporate patients' preferences and values.

Methods: A representative sample of participants aged 40-70 were recruited to evaluate a clinical vignette where they were given the option to undergo surveillance or surgical resection of their IPMN. Their preferred role in the decision-making process for the vignette was evaluated using the Control Preference Scale. The relationship between control preference and variables including cancer anxiety, health literacy, and education level was analyzed.

Results: Of the 520 participants in the study, most preferred an active role (65%), followed by shared (29%), and passive roles (6%) in the decision-making process. Lower health literacy was significantly associated with a more passive control preference (p = 0.003). Non-active preference was significantly associated with Latino race compared to White race (odds ratio = 0.52, p = 0.009) in multivariate analysis. We found no significant association between control preference and education level or cancer anxiety.

Conclusions: Most patients preferred an active role in IPMN treatment decisions. Lower health literacy and Latino race were associated with a preference for non-active decision roles. Clinicians should strive to align patient involvement in IPMN treatment decisions with their patient's preferred role.