How can cancer teams ensure that patients ' preferences inform treatment decisions?

This study focused on head and neck cancer. Researchers observed multidisciplinary teams making treatment decisions and assessed patients ' engagement with their recommendations. The study found that team meetings were frequently dominated by doctors ' opinions on the best treatment. Patients tended to be presented with the team ' s preferred treatment option, rather than all treatment options; their preferences often did not inform treatment decisions. The researchers call for healthcare professionals to find ways to ensure that patient preferences inform decision-making. Training for professionals on shared decision-making could help; as could re-structuring team meetings. People could benefit from dedicated time or other support tools to help them fully explore their treatment options.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news