BMJ 2001;323:1144 ( 17 November )

Editorials

Participation of patients in decisions about treatment for cancer

Desire for information is not the same as a desire to participate in decision making

See also Papers p 1160

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

The primary aim of treatment for cancer is to improve the quality of life of patients by curing them or producing a long and worthwhile remission and ameliorating their worst symptoms. For many types of cancers, however, the most appropriate management is not always clear or based on the best evidence from well conducted randomised controlled trials.

Clinicians may have more than one therapeutic option to offer patients and there are many calls for more involvement of patients in decision making about their treatment. Two fundamental issues should be determined when discussing treatment choices with patientstheir own preferences about the amount and type of information that is needed and their actual rather than perceived desire for participation in decision making. A clear distinction needs to be made between a desire for information and a wish to assume responsibility for decision making. They are not one and the same thing. . . . [Full text of this article]

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Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

Optimising levels of understanding or words to that effect

Michael O'Donnell
bmj.com, 19 Nov 2001 [Full text]

Delivery of information beyond the medical consultation

Ricky Sharma
bmj.com, 23 Nov 2001 [Full text]