Patient and Clinician Views on Treatment Decision-Making
Author Information
Author(s): Pieterse A H, Baas-Thijssen M C M, Marijnen C A M, Stiggelbout A M
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Leiden
Hypothesis
What role do oncologists and cancer patients prefer in deciding about treatment, and how do they view patient participation in treatment decision-making?
Conclusion
Both cancer patients and clinicians prefer treatment decisions to be made through a shared decision-making process.
Supporting Evidence
- Almost all participants preferred treatment decisions to be the outcome of a shared process.
- Clinicians viewed participation more often as reaching an agreement, while 23% of patients defined it as being informed.
- A significant minority of clinicians would not propose a treatment with small benefits and significant side effects.
Takeaway
Patients and doctors think it's important for patients to be involved in making decisions about their treatment, but not everyone feels able to participate.
Methodology
Seventy disease-free cancer patients and 60 oncologists were interviewed about their role preferences and views on patient participation using the Control Preferences Scale and other questions.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported preferences and views may affect the results.
Limitations
The study may not represent all cancer patients and oncologists, as it focused on specific demographics and treatment types.
Participant Demographics
48 male and 22 female patients, average age 64 years; 60 oncologists, predominantly male, aged 35-62 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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