Patients' experiences of the decision‐making process for clinical trial participation. (21st March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: A. Gregersen, Trine; Birkelund, Regner; Wolderslund, Maiken; Dahl Steffensen, Karina; Ammentorp, Jette
• Is Part Of: Nursing & health sciences. Volume 24:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2022-03-21
• Subjects: clinical decision‐making -- clinical trials -- health communication -- nurse's role -- person‐centered care -- physician's role -- therapies; Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12933
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1441-0745

Abstract

Abstract: Clinical decision‐making about participating in a clinical trial is a complex process influenced by overwhelming information about prognosis, disease, and treatment options. The study aimed to explore patients' experiences of the decision‐making process when patients are presented with the opportunity to participate in a cancer clinical trial and to shed light on how patients experience the health communication, the nurse's role, and the physician's role. A qualitative study design was applied. Nine patients with advanced cancer were interviewed after being informed about their treatment options. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that patients made treatment decisions mainly guided by their emotions and trust in the physician. Furthermore, the physicians had a great impact on the decisions, and the nurse's role was associated with conversations about how to manage life. The study highlights the importance of talking about prognosis and addressing the patient's existential issues, particularly in this context of advanced cancer. The study elucidates a need for healthcare professionals to engage in health communication about life when it is coming to an end.