“Dr. Neuman and colleagues point out that patients often will seek out information on their diagnosis preconsultation,” commented session co-moderator Steven L. Chen, MD, a surgical oncologist with OasisMD in San Diego.

“Their study demonstrates that the provision of high-quality information can aid patients’ knowledge, even before they have met with their doctors,” he said. “It would appear that either a decision aid or even high-quality Web links can provide excellent results, but for specific points of emphasis, a decision aid can provide focused education.”

Clinics should take a look at their own patient education processes, according to Dr. Chen. “It behooves every health system to consider what resources they make available to patients, even before they have seen their doctor,” he concluded. ■

Disclosure: Dr. Chen reported no potential conflicts of interest.