Veteran Peer Navigators to Promote Shared Decision Making for PSA Screening

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Aug 8, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a program designed to help Veterans make informed decisions about prostate cancer screening through a process called Shared Decision Making (SDM). The study focuses on using trained Veteran peer navigators to provide support and guidance to male Veterans who are considering prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, a common screening method for prostate cancer. The goal is to improve the quality of care and access to screening for these Veterans, while also understanding how effective and sustainable this peer-led approach can be.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be male Veterans aged 40 to 69 who are visiting a specific VA healthcare facility for a routine check-up. Those who have had certain recent medical issues or prior prostate cancer diagnoses will not be included. If you decide to participate, you can expect to receive support from a peer navigator who can help you understand the pros and cons of PSA screening, leading to a more personalized and informed choice regarding your health. This program not only aims to enhance prostate cancer screening but also hopes to improve how shared decision-making is approached in other healthcare areas.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Veteran patient participants:
• • Age 40-69 years old
• • Veteran
• • Male
• • Attending VANYHHS-Manhattan for routine primary care appointment
• Providers:
• • Primary care provider at VA New York Harbor Healthcare System (VANYHHS)
• • Caring for patients that fit inclusion criteria
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Veteran Patients:
• • Patients seen within 9 months of other PSA tests
• • Patients seen within 180 days after primary diagnosis of urinary obstruction, prostatitis, hematuria, other disorder of prostate, unexplained weight loss, or lumbar back pain
• • Patients with a prior diagnosis of prostate cancer (ICD-10-CM C61)
• • Patients visiting their provider for any indication other than a well-visit appointment
• Providers:
• • - Providers who do not treat adult male patients (e.g. OB/Gyns, pediatricians)