Open AccessEmpowering patients in decision‐making in radiation oncology – can we do better?
Author(s) -
Leech Michelle,
Katz Matthew S.,
Kazmierska Joanna,
McCrossin Julie,
Turner Sandra
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
molecular oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.332
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1878-0261
pISSN - 1574-7891
DOI - 10.1002/1878-0261.12675
Subject(s) - radiation oncology , clarity , medicine , terminology , radiation therapy , medical physics , intensive care medicine , oncology , biochemistry , chemistry , linguistics , philosophy
The decision as to whether or not a patient should receive radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment is based on evidence‐based practice and on recommended international consensus treatment guidelines. However, the merit of involving the patients' individual preferences and values in the treatment decision is frequently overlooked. Here, we review the current literature pertaining to shared decision‐making (SDM) in the field of radiation oncology, including discussion of the patient's perception of radiation therapy as a treatment option and patient involvement in clinical trials. The merit of decision aids during the SDM process in radiation oncology is considered, as are patient preferences for active or passive involvement in decisions about their treatment. Clarity of terminology, a better understanding of effective strategies and increased resources will be needed to ensure SDM in radiation oncology becomes a reality.