Self-reported preferences for patient and provider roles in cancer treatment decision-making in the United States

• Main Authors: Kiara Spooner, Charles Chima, Jason L. Salemi, Roger J. Zoorob
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMJ Publishing Group 2017-05-01
• Series: Family Medicine and Community Health
• Subjects: Cancer; treatment decision-making; decision-making role preference
• Online Access: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cscript/fmch/2017/00000005/00000001/art00005
• ISSN: 2305-6983; 2009-8774

Objective: To describe differences in preferred roles in cancer treatment decision-making and identify associated sociodemographic and health-related factors among adults in the United States. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine associations. Results: Half (48.3%) of respondents preferred a collaborative role in decision-making under the supposition of a moderate chance of survival; while 53.4% preferred a more active role when the chance of survival was low. Approximately 7%–8% indicated a preference for a passive role in decision-making, for both low and moderate chances of survival. Several predictors of role preference for cancer treatment decision-making emerged, including age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, and having a regular health care provider. At both low and moderate chances of survival, the college educated were less likely to prefer a passive role, whereas Hispanics were two to three times more likely than whites to indicate a preference for a passive role. Conclusion: Adults’ role preference for cancer treatment decision-making may be influenced by sociodemographic and health-related factors. Increased awareness of these factors, paired with enhanced patient–provider communication, may assist health care professionals in providing individualized and high-quality, patient-centered cancer care.