Background: Stage I kidney cancer presents multiple treatment options including partial or radical nephrectomy, ablation, and active surveillance with comparable oncologic outcomes. This makes treatment selection preference sensitive, requiring shared decision making to align clinical decisions with patient values. However, patients often report confusion and decisional conflict, partly due to difficulty interpreting conventional imaging. While 3D printed models can improve understanding, they are expensive and time consuming. Virtual 3D models offer a more accessible and scalable alternative.

Objective: To assess whether virtual 3D kidney tumor models created from existing CT or MRI scans can improve patient understanding, reduce decisional conflict, and support preference-aligned treatment decisions.

Methods: We are implementing an IT and clinical workflow to generate virtual 3D kidney models viewable on a tablet or mobile device during consultation. Patients receiving consultations with and without 3D models will complete validated surveys, including the Decisional Conflict Scale and Service Satisfaction Scale for Cancer Care. We will compare knowledge, satisfaction, and decisional conflict between groups. Implementation feasibility will be evaluated using metrics such as adoption, reach, and fidelity, along with clinician feedback and time-series tracking of workflow integration.

Results: Data collection is ongoing.

Conclusion: If effective, virtual 3D models may enhance shared decision making in kidney cancer and serve as a scalable tool to support patient centered care across other complex treatment decisions.