FAQs
What is the PEGASUS intervention?
PEGASUS is an evidence-based approach to support shared decision making about surgery. The PEGASUS intervention involves a patient having a discussion with a specially trained health professional during which a PEGASUS sheet is completed. The PEGASUS sheet is a record of the discussion in which the patient’s own goals in relation to a particular surgical procedure are elicited, discussed and rated. it facilitates shared-decision making and clear communication. between patient and surgical team.
Can patients complete the PEGASUS sheet on their own, without the discussion with the train health professional?
No. The PEGASUS sheet is only part of the intervention – the sheet is a record of the conversation between the patient and the specially trained health professional (known as PEGASUS Coach) which is then used in the surgical consultation. The conversation between the coach and the patient is the key element to the success of the PEGASUS intervention. Our research has shown the benefits of using the PEGASUS conversation plus the PEGASUS sheet.
Is PEGASUS a decision aid?
No, it is an intervention to facilitate shared decision-making (see above).
I’m a patient considering having appearance-altering surgery. Can PEGASUS help me make my decision?
PEGASUS is only available through surgical teams who have been specially trained in its use, it is not currently available directly to patients.
I’m a surgeon, can I use PEGASUS with my patients?
Yes, the PEGASUS intervention is now available, along with the necessary support materials, to health professionals working with patients in those groups in which it has been tested (e.g. breast reconstruction or breast augmentation). If you have any difficulties accessing the intervention, or if you are interested in using PEGASUS with a patient group that it has not yet been tested with, please contact the PEGASUS team (CAR@uwe.ac.uk).
I’m a researcher, can I use PEGASUS in my research?
Yes, we would be pleased to discuss this with you. Please contact us at CAR@uwe.ac.uk.
What’s the theoretical basis to PEGASUS?
PEGASUS has been developed based on the principles of shared decision making, decision coaching, doctor-patient communication and MRC guidance for the development and evaluation of complex interventions. Further details of the theoretical basis of the intervention development and use can be found in the following publication:
Clarke, A., Paraskeva, N., White, P., Hansen, E., & Harcourt, D. (2020). PEGASUS: the Design of an Intervention to Facilitate Shared Decision-making in Breast Reconstruction. Journal of Cancer Education, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-019-01656-6.
How can I learn more about PEGASUS?
Papers have been published on the development and evaluation of the PEGASUS intervention.