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Gans EA, Pieterse AH, Klapwijk MS, van Stiphout F, van Steenbergen IJ, Portielje JEA, de Groot JF, van Munster BC, van den Bos F. Shared decision-making with older adults with cancer: Adaptation of a model through literature review and expert opinion. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6291. [PMID: 38282224 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a literature overview of characteristics of Shared Decision Making (SDM) with specific importance to the older adult population with cancer and to tailor an existing model of SDM in patients with cancer to the needs of older adults. METHODS A systematic search of several databases was conducted. Eligible studies described factors influencing SDM concerning cancer treatment with adults aged 65 years or above, with any type of cancer. We included qualitative or mixed-methods studies. Themes were identified and discussed in an expert panel, including a patient-representative, until consensus was reached on an adjusted model. RESULTS Overall 29 studies were included and nine themes were identified from the literature. The themes related to the importance of goal setting, need for tailored information provision, the role of significant others, uncertainty of evidence, the importance of time during and outside of consultations, the possible ill-informed preconceptions that health care professionals (HCPs) might have about older adults and the specific competencies they need to engage in the SDM process with older adults. No new themes emerged from discussion with expert panel. This study presents a visual model of SDM with older patients with cancer based on the identified themes. CONCLUSIONS Our model shows key elements that are specific to SDM with older adults. Further research needs to focus on how to educate HCPs on the competencies needed to engage in SDM with older patients, and how to implement the model into everyday practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma A Gans
- University Center of Geriatric Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Knowledge Institute of the Dutch Association of Medical Specialists, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arwen H Pieterse
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje S Klapwijk
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Feikje van Stiphout
- Department of Geriatric Internal Medicine, Meander Medical Center, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Irma J van Steenbergen
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Janke F de Groot
- Knowledge Institute of the Dutch Association of Medical Specialists, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara C van Munster
- University Center of Geriatric Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frederiek van den Bos
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Heidenreich A, Fuchshofen R, Elsner S, Gieseler F, Katalinic A, Hübner J. Contributing and limiting factors to guideline-adherent therapy in senior and elderly breast cancer patients: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study using clinical and cancer registry data in Germany. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17297-17306. [PMID: 37815663 PMCID: PMC10657281 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05446-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Elderly cancer patients are less likely to be treated in accordance with evidence-based guideline recommendations. This study examines patient-related factors associated with deviations from guideline recommendations. METHODS Using medical documentation and cancer registry data, we investigated the treatment courses of female breast cancer patients aged 50 and older in Germany regarding compliance with German guidelines. Participants completed a questionnaire querying factors hypothesized to be associated with guideline adherence. We conducted univariate analyses to explore the data and select variables for multivariate logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS Of 1150 participants, 206 (17.9%) were treated in deviation from guideline recommendations. Patients 70 years and older were more likely to be treated deviating from guideline recommendations than patients 50-69 years old (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.52-2.80). Patients aged 50-69 years who reported that quality of life guided their treatment decision were more likely to be treated in deviation from guideline recommendations (AOR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.11-3.92) than the elderly. In older patients, higher age was associated with an increased chance of receiving guideline-discordant care (AOR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.11), as was depression diagnosed prior to cancer (AOR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.00-3.40). CONCLUSION Reasons for deviations from guideline recommendations in breast cancer patients differ by age. In decision-making concerning elderly patients, particular attention should be paid to those with pre-existing depressive disorders. Adequately addressing their needs and concerns could prevent inappropriate deviations from guideline recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Heidenreich
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23560, Luebeck, Germany.
| | - Rabea Fuchshofen
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23560, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Susanne Elsner
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23560, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Frank Gieseler
- Clinic for Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Luebeck, Germany
| | - Alexander Katalinic
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23560, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Joachim Hübner
- Agency for Clinical Cancer Data of Lower Saxony, Oldenburg, Germany
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Bechthold AC, Azuero A, Puga F, Ejem DB, Kent EE, Ornstein KA, Ladores SL, Wilson CM, Knoepke CE, Miller-Sonet E, Odom JN. What Is Most Important to Family Caregivers When Helping Patients Make Treatment-Related Decisions: Findings from a National Survey. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4792. [PMID: 37835486 PMCID: PMC10572058 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prioritizing patient values-who/what matters most-is central to palliative care and critical to treatment decision making. Yet which factors are most important to family caregivers in these decisions remains understudied. Using data from a U.S. national survey of cancer caregivers (N = 1661), we examined differences in factors considered very important by caregivers when partnering with patients in cancer treatment decision making by cancer stage and caregiver sociodemographics. Fifteen factors were rated on a 4-point Likert-scale from 'very unimportant' to 'very important.' Descriptive statistics were used to characterize caregiver factors and tabulate proportions of importance for each. Generalized linear mixed effect modeling was used to examine the importance of factors by cancer stage, and chi-square analyses were performed to determine associations between caregiver sociodemographics and the five most commonly endorsed factors: quality of life (69%), physical well-being (68%), length of life (66%), emotional well-being (63%), and opinions/feelings of oncology team (59%). Significant associations (all p's < 0.05) of small magnitude were found between the most endorsed factors and caregiver age, race, gender, and ethnicity, most especially 'opinions/feelings of the oncology team'. Future work is needed to determine the best timing and approach for eliciting and effectively incorporating caregiver values and preferences into shared treatment decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery C. Bechthold
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (A.C.B.)
| | - Andres Azuero
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (A.C.B.)
| | - Frank Puga
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (A.C.B.)
| | - Deborah B. Ejem
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (A.C.B.)
| | - Erin E. Kent
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Katherine A. Ornstein
- Center for Equity in Aging, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sigrid L. Ladores
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (A.C.B.)
| | - Christina M. Wilson
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (A.C.B.)
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Christopher E. Knoepke
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | | | - J. Nicholas Odom
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (A.C.B.)
- Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laila Hallam
- Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sue Robins
- Bird Comm, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Bos-van den Hoek DW, Smets EMA, Ali R, Baas-Thijssen MCM, Bomhof-Roordink H, Helsper CW, Stacey D, Tange D, van Laarhoven HWM, Henselmans I. A blended learning for general practitioners and nurses on skills to support shared decision-making with patients about palliative cancer treatment: A one-group pre-posttest study. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 112:107712. [PMID: 37004502 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate a newly developed blended learning programme for general practitioners (GPs) and nurses in supporting shared decision making (SDM) about palliative cancer treatment in a simulated setting. METHODS In a pre-posttest study, healthcare professionals (HCPs) participated in the blended learning (i.e. e-learning and (online) training session). HCPs filled out surveys (T0 (baseline), T1 (after e-learning) and T2 (after full blended learning)) and engaged in simulated consultations at T0 and T2. The primary outcome was observed SDM support (Triple-S; DSAT-10 for validation). Secondary outcomes included satisfaction, knowledge about and attitude towards SDM support. Repeated measures General Linear Models were conducted. RESULTS 33 HCPs (17 GPs and 16 nurses) participated. SDM support significantly improved after training (Triple-S; medium effect). Observers' overall rating of SDM support (medium effect) as well as HCPs' knowledge (large effect) and beliefs about their capabilities (medium effect) improved after training. There was no difference in decision support skills (DSAT-10), HCPs' other clinical behavioural intentions and satisfaction. HCPs evaluated the training positively. CONCLUSION Blended learning for HCPs on supporting SDM in palliative cancer care improved their skills, knowledge and confidence in simulated consultations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS These first findings are promising for evaluating interprofessional SDM in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danique W Bos-van den Hoek
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Quality of Care program, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Ellen M A Smets
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Quality of Care program, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rania Ali
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Hanna Bomhof-Roordink
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charles W Helsper
- Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dawn Stacey
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Implementation Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Dorien Tange
- Dutch Federation of Cancer Patient Organizations (NFK), Godebaldkwartier 365, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hanneke W M van Laarhoven
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Inge Henselmans
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Quality of Care program, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, department of General Practice, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Tielemans LML, van Heugten KD, Hamaker ME, van Walree IC. Preferred and actual involvement of caregivers in oncologic treatment decision-making: A systematic review. J Geriatr Oncol 2023; 14:101525. [PMID: 37198027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2023.101525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment decision-making in cancer is complex and many patients bring their caregiver to appointments to help them make those decisions. Multiple studies show the importance of involving caregivers in the treatment decision-making process. We aimed to explore the preferred and actual involvement of caregivers in the decision-making process of patients with cancer and to see if there are age or cultural background related differences in caregiver involvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of Pubmed and Embase was performed on January 2, 2022. Studies containing numerical data regarding caregiver involvement were included, as were studies describing the agreement between patients and caregivers regarding treatment decisions. Studies assessing solely patients aged younger than 18 years old or terminally ill patients, and studies without extractable data were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed by two independent reviewers using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results were analysed in two separate age groups, one <62 years and one ≥62 years. RESULTS Twenty-two studies with a total of 11,986 patients and 6,260 caregivers were included in this review. A median of 75% of patients preferred caregivers to be involved in decision-making and a median of 85% of caregivers preferred to be involved. With regards to age groups, the preferred involvement of caregivers was more frequent in the younger study populations. With regards to geographical differences, studies performed in Western countries showed a lower preference for caregiver's involvement compared to studies from Asian countries. A median of 72% of the patients reported the caregiver was actually involved in the treatment decision-making and a median of 78% of the caregivers reported they were actually involved. The most important role of caregivers was to listen and provide emotional support. DISCUSSION Patients and caregivers both want caregivers to be involved in the treatment decision-making process and most caregivers are actually involved. An ongoing dialogue between clinicians, patients and caregivers about decision-making is important to meet the individual patient's and caregiver's needs when involved in the decision-making process. Important limitations were a lack of studies in older patients and significant differences in outcome measures among studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M L Tielemans
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Elisabeth-Twee Steden Ziekenhuis, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
| | - Kirsten D van Heugten
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Elisabeth-Twee Steden Ziekenhuis, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Marije E Hamaker
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Inez C van Walree
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Medical Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Heidenreich A, Elsner S, Wörler F, Hübner J, Schües C, Rehmann-Sutter C, Katalinic A, Gieseler F. Physicians' perspectives on family caregivers' roles in elderly cancer patients' therapies: a qualitative, interview-based study. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:387. [PMID: 37296323 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07857-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical communication and facilitating informed and sound medical decisions become challenging as patients age and suffer from age-associated impairments. Family caregivers are perceived as essential actors in addressing these challenges. Here, we explore physicians' perspectives on family caregivers' roles and their involvement in consultations and therapy decision-making situations of elderly cancer patients. METHODS We examined 38 semi-structured interviews with physicians from different specialities (oncologists, non-oncology specialists, and general practitioners) in Germany who treated elderly cancer patients. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified five general and distinct perspectives on the involvement of family caregivers in the therapy process. Family caregivers are seen as (1) translators of medical information; (2) providers of support for the patient; (3) providers of information about the patient; (4) stakeholders with relevant points of view regarding the treatment decision; or (5) individuals who have a disruptive influence on the consultation. The interviewed physicians rarely involved family caregivers closely in consultations. CONCLUSIONS Although physicians frequently attribute supportive roles to family caregivers, they rarely include them in consultations. Previous studies have found that a triadic setting is often better suited to agreeing upon a patient-centered and needs-based treatment decision for older cancer patients. We infer that physicians too rarely recognize the potential importance of family caregivers. Educators should further integrate family caregiver involvement and its implications in general medical education and professional training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Heidenreich
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.
| | - Susanne Elsner
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Frank Wörler
- Institute for History of Medicine and Science Studies, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Joachim Hübner
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Christina Schües
- Institute for History of Medicine and Science Studies, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Katalinic
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Frank Gieseler
- Clinic for Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Luebeck, Germany
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Clancy DD, Revette AC, Bahl NE, Ho KT, Manor B, Testa MA, Dieli-Conwright CM, Hshieh T, Driver JA, Abel GA, DuMontier C. Benefits and Barriers of Technology for Home Function and Mobility Assessment: Perspectives of Older Patients With Blood Cancers, Caregivers, and Clinicians. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2023; 7:e2200171. [PMID: 37098230 PMCID: PMC10281405 DOI: 10.1200/cci.22.00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Advances in digital health technology can overcome barriers to measurement of function and mobility for older adults with blood cancers, but little is known about how older adults perceive such technology for use in their homes. METHODS To characterize potential benefits and barriers associated with using technology for home functional assessment, we conducted three semistructured focus groups (FGs) in January 2022. Eligible patients came from the Older Adult Hematologic Malignancies Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), which includes adults 73 years and older enrolled during their initial consult with their oncologist. Eligible caregivers were 18 years and older and identified by enrolled patients as their primary caregiver. Eligible clinicians were practicing DFCI hematologic oncologists, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants with ≥2 years of clinical experience. A qualitative researcher led thematic analysis of FG transcripts to identify key themes. RESULTS Twenty-three participants attended the three FGs: eight patients, seven caregivers, and eight oncology clinicians. All participants valued function and mobility assessments and felt that technology could overcome barriers to their measurement. We identified three themes related to potential benefits: making it easier for oncology teams to consider function and mobility; providing standardized, objective data; and facilitating longitudinal data. We also identified four themes related to barriers to home functional assessment: concerns related to privacy and confidentiality, burden of measuring additional patient data, challenges in operating new technology, and concerns related to data improving care. CONCLUSION These data suggest that specific concerns raised by older patients, caregivers, and oncology clinicians must be addressed to improve acceptability and uptake of technology used to measure function and mobility in the home.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna C. Revette
- Survey and Data Management Core, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Bradley Manor
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Roslindale, MA
| | | | | | - Tammy Hshieh
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Roslindale, MA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jane A. Driver
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center and Geriatrics and Extended Care, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
| | - Gregory A. Abel
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Clark DuMontier
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center and Geriatrics and Extended Care, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
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The Role of Shared Decision-Making in Personalised Medicine: Opening the Debate. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020215. [PMID: 35215327 PMCID: PMC8880233 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgeons and cancer patients are starting to open the debate on how personalised medicine could use shared decision-making (SDM) to balance the personal and clinical components and thus improve the quality and value of care. Personalised precision medicine (PPM) has traditionally focused on the use of genomic information when prescribing treatments, which are usually pharmaceutical. However, the knowledge base is considerably scarcer in terms of how clinicians can individualise the information they provide patients about the consequences of different treatments, and in doing so involve them in the decision-making process. To achieve this, the ethical implications of SDM must be addressed from both sides. This paper explores the medical characteristics, the SDM implications in severe and fragile patients, potential risks, and observed benefits within this healthcare approach through four clinical cases. Findings shed light on current needs for clinician and patient training and tools related to SDM in PPM, and also remarks on the way in which this shift in healthcare settings is taking place to include the human component together with the biological and technological advances when designing care processes in colorectal cancer.
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