RESEARCH OBJECTIVE : Men with prostate cancer are often treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). While ADT monotherapy is not appropriate treatment for most localized prostate cancer, it continues to be used raising questions of low-value care. Guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Behavior Change Wheel’s Capability, Opportunity, Motivation Model (COM-B), we conducted a qualitative study to identify determinants of low value ADT use and opportunities for de-implementation strategy development.
STUDY DESIGN: We used VA national cancer registry and administrative data from 2016-2017 to select facilities with the highest and lowest rates of ADT monotherapy as localized prostate cancer treatment. We used purposive sampling to select high and low performing sites and complete and code 20 provider interviews from 14 facilities across the nation (17 high and 3 low ADT use sites). Next, we mapped TDF domains to the COM-B Model to generate a conceptual framework of provider approaches to low value ADT.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Based on emerging behavioral themes, our conceptual model characterized 3 groups of providers based on low value ADT use: (1) never prescribe; (2) willing, under some circumstances, to prescribe; and (3) routinely prescribe as an acceptable treatment option. Providers in all groups demonstrated strengths in the Capability domain, such as knowledge of appropriate localized prostate cancer treatment options (knowledge), coupled with interpersonal skills to engage patients in educational discussion (skills). Motivation to prescribe low value ADT depended on goals of care, including patient preferences (goals), view of their role (beliefs in capabilities/professional role and identity), and beliefs about benefits and harms ADT would afford patients (beliefs about consequences). In the Opportunity domain, access to resources, such as guidelines and interdisciplinary colleagues (environmental resources) and advice of peers (social influences) were influential factors in providers’ decision- making about low value ADT prescribing.
CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral theory-based characterization of provider practices helps clarify determinants implicated in provider decisions to prescribe low value ADT.
IMPLICATIONS: Identifying behavioral determinants impacting provider decisions to prescribe low value ADT informs theory-based de-implementation strategy development, and serves as a model to decrease low-value care more broadly.