Patient‐centered communication tool for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia, their caregivers, and oncologists: A single‐arm pilot study

BACKGROUND: In a single‐arm pilot study, we assessed the feasibility and usefulness of an innovative patient‐centered communication tool (UR‐GOAL tool) that addresses aging‐related vulnerabilities, patient values, and prognostic awareness for use in treatment decision making between older adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), their caregivers, and oncologists. METHODS: Primary feasibility metric was retention rate; >50% was considered feasible. We collected recruitment rate, usefulness, and outcomes including AML knowledge (range 0–14) and perceived efficacy in communicating with oncologists (range 5–25). Due to the pilot nature and small sample size, hypothesis testing was performed at α = 0.10. RESULTS: We included 15 patients (mean age 76 years, range 64–88), 12 caregivers, and 5 oncologists; enrollment and retention rates for patients were 84% and 73%, respectively. Patients agreed that the UR‐GOAL tool helped them understand their AML diagnosis and treatment options, communicate with their oncologist, and make more informed decisions. From baseline to post‐intervention, patients and caregivers scored numerically higher on AML knowledge (patients: +0.6, p = 0.22; caregivers: +1.1, p = 0.05) and perceived greater efficacy in communicating with their oncologists (patients: +1.5, p = 0.22; caregivers: +1.2, p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that it is feasible to incorporate the UR‐GOAL tool into treatment decision making for older patients with AML, their caregivers, and oncologists.