Research Study: Cancer Patients Want Input in Treatment Plans

A recent study published in JAMA Oncology explored whether shared decision-making was associated with patient ratings of care quality and physician communication.

Researchers gathered data on more than 5,300 patients with colon or lung cancer who participated in the Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance Consortium study. These patients reported their role in over 10,000 treatment decisions, as well as their insight into the quality of their care and how well they communicated with their doctors.

According to the data collected from the patient reporting, 58 percent of patients said they preferred shared roles in decision making, while 36 percent favored patient-controlled decisions. Only 6 percent of patients reported they wanted their doctor to make every decision. To read more about the study and its findings, click here.

At Austin CyberKnife, our experienced clinical team will work with you and your doctor to evaluate all treatment options and assess whether CyberKnife treatment may be right for you. We focus on presenting thorough information to our patients to help them make fully informed decisions. Learn more about our patient consultation and treatment process here.

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.