An Integrated Knowledge Translation Approach to Develop a Shared Decision-making Strategy for Use by Inuit in Cancer Care: A Qualitative Study

Background: In relation to the general Canadian population, Inuit face increased cancer risks and barriers to health services use. In shared decision-making (SDM), health care providers and patients make health care decisions together. Enhanced participation in cancer care decisions is a need for Inuit. Integrated knowledge translation (KT) supports the development of research evidence that is likely to be patient-centred and applied in practice. Objective: Using an integrated KT approach, we set out to promote the use of SDM by Inuit in cancer care. Methods: An integrated KT study involving researchers with a Steering Committee of cancer care system partners who support Inuit in cancer care (“the team”) consisted of 2 theory-driven phases: (1) using consensus-building methods to tailor a previously developed SDM strategy and developing training in the SDM strategy; and (2) training community support workers (CSWS) in the SDM strategy and testing the SDM strategy with community members. Results: The team developed a SDM strategy that included a workshop and a booklet with 6 questions for use by CSWS with patients. The SDM strategy (training and booklet) was finalized based on feedback from 5 urban-based Inuit CSWS who were recruited and trained in using the strategy. Trained CSWS were matched with 8 community members, and use of the SDM strategy was assessed during interviews, reported as 6 themes. Participants found the SDM strategy to be useful and feasible for use. Conclusions: An integrated KT approach of structured research processes with partners developed a SDM strategy for use by Inuit in cancer care. Further work is needed to test the SDM strategy.