# COMputerized PAtient-centered Collaborative Technology (COMPACT) to Support Personalized Decision Making in Breast Cancer

> **NIH AHRQ K01** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · 2022 · $121,035

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 The proposed research addresses an urgent need to support personalized breast cancer treatment
decision making based on the unique needs, values, and preferences of each patient. Breast cancer is the
most common cancer in women, with approximately 280,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Breast cancer
treatment decisions are complex as there are often several clinically viable treatment options available, each
with differing risks, benefits, and implications on the patient’s life. It is important to involve patients in this
preference-sensitive decision, yet, approximately 50% of breast cancer patients do not make informed
decisions regarding treatment, and patients report only knowing half of the information relevant to the decision.
Poor understanding or insufficient participation in the treatment decision making process can lead to poor
patient outcomes, reduced patient satisfaction, and higher healthcare costs. We propose that a COMputerized
PAtient-centered Collaborative Technology (COMPACT), designed with Human Factors Engineering (HFE)
approaches, can improve personalized breast cancer decision making and patient outcomes. During this 4-
year project, we will design and test the COMPACT system using human centered design (HCD).
 This research will support the PIs transition to research independence and propel her towards achieving
her long-term goal of becoming a leader in the field of HFE design and implementation of augmented
intelligence technologies to support teamwork in cancer care. The research will take place in the strong
institutional environment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Building on her expertise in HFE design of
health information technology (HIT), she will develop essential knowledge and skills in (1) breast cancer care,
(2) design of patient HIT, and (3) implementation science. The PI will grow these skills with the following Aims:
 Research Aim 1 is a thorough HFE work system analysis to understand the sociotechnical work system
in which breast cancer care occurs. Interviews with and observations of patients, their family caregivers, and
clinicians will generate detailed care process maps and patient journey maps to support the design of
COMPACT. The PI will gain knowledge on cancer care processes and the needs of breast cancer patients.
 Research Aim 2 is the HCD of COMPACT. Using Aim 1 findings, we will conduct a series of collaborative
design sessions with patients, their caregivers, and clinicians to develop the COMPACT user interfaces.
Formative usability testing and a heuristic evaluation will identify design improvements to the prototypes. The
PI will develop skills in patient-facing HIT and implementation science.
 Research Aim 3 is the evaluation of COMPACT in a scenario-based simulation. Scenario-based
simulations with potential breast cancer patients and clinicians (individually and in groups) using COMPACT
under realistic conditions will evaluate COMPACT’s potential usefulness, usabi...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10507348
- **Project number:** 1K01HS029042-01
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Megan Elizabeth Salwei
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** AHRQ
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $121,035
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-30 → 2026-09-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10507348

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10507348, COMputerized PAtient-centered Collaborative Technology (COMPACT) to Support Personalized Decision Making in Breast Cancer (1K01HS029042-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10507348. Licensed CC0.

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