• Melissa R Partin, David Nelson, David Radosevich, Sean Nugent, Ann B Flood, Nancy Dillon, Jeremy Holtzman, Michele Haas, and Timothy J Wilt.
• Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55417, USA. Melissa.partin@med.va.gov
• J Gen Intern Med. 2004 Aug 1;19(8):835-42.

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of video and pamphlet interventions on patient prostate cancer (CaP) screening knowledge, decision-making participation, preferences, and behaviors.DesignRandomized, controlled trial.SettingFour midwestern Veterans Affairs medical facilities.Patients/ParticipantsOne thousand, one hundred fifty-two male veterans age 50 and older with primary care appointments at participating facilities were randomized and 893 completed follow-up.InterventionsPatients were randomized to mailed pamphlet, mailed video, or usual care/control.Measurements And Main ResultsOutcomes assessed by phone survey 2 weeks postintervention included a 10-item knowledge index; correct responses to questions on CaP natural history, treatment efficacy, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA)'s predictive value, and expert disagreement about the PSA; whether screening was discussed with provider; screening preferences; and PSA testing rates. Mean knowledge index scores were higher for video (7.44; P = .001) and pamphlet (7.26; P = .03) subjects versus controls (6.90). Video and pamphlet subjects reported significantly higher percentages of correct responses relative to controls to questions on CaP natural history (63%, 63%, and 54%, respectively); treatment efficacy (19%, 20%, and 5%), and expert disagreement (28%, 19%, and 8%), but not PSA accuracy (28%, 22%, and 22%). Pamphlet subjects were more likely than controls to discuss screening with their provider (41% vs 32%; P = .03) but video subjects were not (35%; P = .33). Video and pamphlet subjects were less likely to intend to have a PSA, relative to controls (63%, 65%, and 74%, respectively). PSA testing rates did not differ significantly across groups.ConclusionsMailed interventions enhance patient knowledge and self-reported participation in decision making, and alter screening preferences. The pamphlet and video interventions evaluated are comparable in effectiveness. The lower-cost pamphlet approach is an attractive option for clinics with limited resources.

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